A fun cinematic experience that doesn’t border on being too cute can be a rare find these days. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island falls into that category for bringing us wit, charm and a plethora of first-rate 3D effects. Dwayne Johnson joins Michael Caine and Luis Guzman on a far-away trek. These three along with Josh Hutcherson and Vanessa Hudgens seek the whereabouts of Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island. Among the dangers they encounter are a giant lizard and a monstrous eel.

When Johnson stands before a ginormous creature, ready to deliver a punch or “thunder cookie,” the moment achieves the right comedic effect once the lizard immediately recovers from the blow. This film boasts a handful of such laugh-out-loud treasures.

Andrew Lockington’s score pays loving tribute to the sound of John Williams. The main theme recalls the adventurous quality present in Raiders of the Lost Ark. As a standalone experience, Journey 2 makes an impression without such specific references.

With Avatar and now Journey 2, I am a firm believer in the magic of 3D. My father has always been enthusiastic about the medium’s hidden mystique. Having experienced it for myself, I want a continuation of this trend in more family-oriented fare.

Johnson rocks the camera lens. His rendition of "What a Wonderful World" simply soars. The ending paves the way for the next outing, which will hopefully involve journeying from the Earth to the Moon. Who’s up for an adventure?

(Released by New Line Cinema and rated "PG" by MPAA.)