'Eight Below'

[Holly]

If there are certain things the Disney studio does exceedingly well, those have to include animated films and nature dramas.

The latter haven't been hugely evident lately, but that's rectified by “Eight Below,” the new saga of sled dogs left stranded without human companionship at an Antarctic research post. The approach of a fierce storm forces the evacuation of the site, and anyone who has ever loved a canine will feel the same separation pangs as the character played by Paul Walker (“The Fast and the Furious”) ... who you just know will find a way back to find out what happened to his animal friends.

We learn that much sooner than he does, and that's where the skill of those who make such outdoor takes kick in. Not unlike the “stars” of “March of the Penguins,” the dogs show us how they learn to fend for themselves; don't think too much about how some of the footage was obtained without the pooches having acting coaches, just accept it and go along for the ride.

The dogs develop genuine personalities over the course of the film, to the degree that one could say they outact Walker and Jason Biggs (“American Pie”), who serves as the picture's comic relief. He tries so hard, though, it's more a relief when he leaves the scene. Along with their canine co-stars, they're directed by Frank Marshall, a longtime producing cohort of Steven Spielberg who spent time in Saratoga Springs several summers ago for the filming of “Seabiscuit.”

In all likelihood, there isn't anyone of any age -- especially if they have even a passing fondness for dogs -- who won't like “Eight Below.” And that gives the film a built-in audience, since every ad for the movie makes it clear what the subject is. Chances are, if you don't care for dogs, you probably won't be heading for “Eight Below” anyway. Those who are will be rewarded with an involving tale that proves you don't have to be human to be a good actor.

Which may be really bad news for certain human actors ...

(Rated PG)

[phoebe7165]

Originally Posted by GilmoreGirlsFan79

In all likelihood, there isn't anyone of any age -- especially if they have even a passing fondness for dogs -- who won't like “Eight Below.” And that gives the film a built-in audience, since every ad for the movie makes it clear what the subject is. Chances are, if you don't care for dogs, you probably won't be heading for “Eight Below” anyway. Those who are will be rewarded with an involving tale that proves you don't have to be human to be a good actor.

I read a detailed write-up on this movie, and they wrote some of the things that happen to the dogs. Since I do have more than a 'passing fondness' for dogs, I won't be seeing this, in the movies or when it comes out on DVD. It would be too upsetting for me.