jptuttleb This rendition of Jules Verne's novel is, like all screen adaptations of fictional literature, definitely not accurate as far as the book plot goes. However, like just about every production, it has its bad parts and its good parts (but mostly bad in this case). The actual cinematography is good, and some of the acting is fairly well done. I found it interesting that the producers were able to get a notable actor such as Sir Patrick Stewart. But when it comes to some of the post-production, it was terrible. The computer graphics for the giant creatures are HORRIBLE! If the computerized graphics are not jerky then they are quite noticeably out of sync and do not match up well with the video clips. If you decide to watch this poor production I think you will find yourself saying, "Oh my gosh; that's so bad!" out loud and more than once.

taikung1 It's doubtful that even the B level talent would have put their names on this if they were allowed to sample the cgi beforehand. Fortunately there are only a handful of creatures to endure that unintentionally provide this film's only comic relief. There was a total lack of effort put into involving the viewer in any aspect of character or story development. Labeled as "Made for TV" doesn't absolve this movie for desecrating Jules Verne's name and vision..To get through this film.. Image that it was produced in a 1950's black and white style picture and change all the cgi creatures to a paper mache equivalent. This will make all the awkward "horrified" expressions and poor camera cuts easier to accept. Be sure to watch the preview before investing any time into starting this show.

jc-osms I came to this two part Hallmark production with a little bit of hope and expectation. You see I'd only recently watched the 1962 Michael Rennie version, which featured in its cast of contributors such luminaries as Bernard Herrmann and Ray Harryhousen. That special effects epic sent me to the source novel which I greatly enjoyed even as it showed me the liberties Hollywood took with the text. Surely, spread over two 90 minute films and with Patrick Stewart as Captain Nemo, I might get to see a truer representation of an exciting and enjoyable, if often improbable book.Far chance! If anything, this production remakes the earlier movie, rather than the novel, but does so in an even more exaggerated manner than before. Here, Nemo is introduced early to Captain Smith (Harding in the book), not at the volcanic climax and Nemo is given a male companion to act as his conscience. The journalist Penfold is turned into a Dr Smith from "Lost In Space"-type, a feckless, selfish coward and a whole new sub-plot is given prominence involving a search for hidden treasure and an encounter with a band of pirates.We still get the original balloon escape, the presence of a mother and daughter to add love interest and, no doubt, some decoration, the gigantic creatures reappear at regular, less- threatening intervals and yes, the volcano blows up at the end. However, the whole piece is so shoddily made that I ended up persevering with it only to see his much worse it could get as it progressed.Where to start...well the acting is awful, never above Am Dram standards. Stewart gives a lifeless performance while none of his support display even a scintilla of individuality or enthusiasm. Worse yet, someone must have thought that ex-football thug Vinnie Jones would make a good pirate leader. He doesn't, spectacularly and worse, I'm sure his voice is dubbed throughout. The special effects are terrible, superimposed like poor transfers onto different backgrounds. The editing is shoddy and unsurprisingly, there's a loud, pounding electronic soundtrack to make sure your ears suffer as much as your eyes. I'll ease off now, but really the low average score here doesn't lie, this is a poorly made film of an exciting classic novel and a waste of time for director, production crew actors and viewers alike.

Lars-Toralf Storstrand Oh... why doth humans insist on taking something as perfectly told and almost divinely inspired as the works of Jules Verne and turning them into a sham?For years I have been looking for something that (and I know that immaculate is not possible) at least would pay respect to Jules Verne's Imagination and gifted writing.But Alas! Nay! Instead people are pouring out money to make shitty political manifestos like Avatar, when they have gold - between their hands.When will somebody hearken to Jules Verne's heartbeat and be true to his works?