Eight Below (2006)

Director: Frank Marshall

Starring: Paul Walker, Jason Biggs, Bruce Greenwood

Brutal cold forces two Antarctic explorers to leave their team of sled dogs behind as they fend for their survival.

‘Eight Below’ is the touching story of eight huskies left behind in a snow storm in Antarctica, and the man who would go to great lengths to save them.

The film is based on an actual event in 1958, but is set in modern day, and in real life there were 15 dogs left behind. I love dogs, and being the owner of a Husky myself, I could relate. Paul Walker stars as Jerry, who guides Dr McClaren (Greenwood) to Mount Melbourne, where a meteorite is believed to have fallen. The adventure of getting to the mountain was thrilling, but Dr McClaren easily finding the meteorite despite the slim chance of being able to do so, was not entirely believable, but I understand it was necessary to ensure a fast-paced movie.

With large parts of the movie only about the dogs, they certainly do steal the show and deserve Oscars! Unlike some other Disney animal-related movies ‘Eight Below’ is never over-sentimental. There’s a fair share of sad moments, but it picks up quickly with lighthearted moments. I enjoyed director Frank Marshall’s approach to the film, which is based on the 1983 Japanese film ‘Antarctica’.

Jason Biggs serves as the film’s comic relief, Charlie Cooper, but the humor is never overbearing, and quite funny. At least Cooper has flesh to the bone and is not just a shallow, humorist character. ‘Eight Below’ is a perfect blend of drama, action, adventure and some humor. The film also has a good score, and great cinematography. Be sure to have a box of tissues ready when watching this!!

‘Eight Below’ was a commercial success, earning $120 million on a $40 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Yes, definitely.