JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (Rated PG)

When I first learned of the upcoming movie “Journey 2,” I wondered what became of the first “Journey,” such that it did not ring a bell.

Only upon digesting the complete title of “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” was my mind nudged ever so slightly by the thought of Jules Verne.

The problem, which remains for this film as well, is that the first film, titled “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and released in 2008, is entirely forgettable.

“Journey 1,” starring Brendan Fraser, now nowhere to be found and not even lost on a mysterious island, was a Jules Verne-type adventure, one that may have pleased kids.

The sequel is equally designed to satisfy the adolescent filmgoers, such that the teen hero remains Josh Hutcherson’s Sean, who’s been given permission by his mother (Kristin Davis) for another globe-trotting quest.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who flexes his pectorals as if he were hanging out at Venice Beach, plays the role of Hank, stepdad to the peripatetic Sean.

In what is expected to be a bonding experience, Hank takes Sean on a journey to a mysterious island, following secret clues that Sean believes Jules Verne left behind.

Curiosity runs in the family because it is apparent that Sean’s missing grandfather Alexander (Michael Caine) was so obsessed with the writings of Jules Verne that he invented the familial craving for wanderlust.

Once in the South Pacific, Hank, in what appears to be a dubious idea, hires goofy, excitable helicopter pilot Gabato (Luis Guzman) to locate the island.

On the upside, at least for Sean, is that Gabato’s pretty daughter Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) tags along for the ride. This, of course, sets up the film’s only love interest subplot.

Meanwhile, a crash landing on an island immediately brings to mind that “Journey 2” could detour into a missing episode of “Lost.”

Alas, that is not to be, for our intrepid travelers are exposed to the mystery of an upside-down world, where elephants are small and bees and lizards are giant prehistoric beasts.

Naturally, grandpa Alexander, who was busy sending out radio signals with his coordinates, is found on this exotic South Pacific island, which is notable for the fact that it is rapidly sinking into the sea like Atlantis.

The soon-to-be extinct tropical paradise is a wonder of special effects, none more thrilling than watching Sean riding bareback on a giant bee.

Since the story is family-friendly, “Journey 2” lacks the inherent menace of prehistoric threats found in “Jurassic Park,” though giant iguanas appear threatening.

To be sure, “Journey 2” is a formulaic adventure story relying heavily on special effects, which is as satisfying as a giant tub of popcorn and a big cone of cotton candy. It’s fun in the moment for the adolescent crowd.

The pairing of Dwayne Johnson and Michael Caine is interesting for some of the back-and-forth dialogue. The film benefits from the presence of these two titans of natural charm.

One good reason not to be late to the screening of this film is that it should be preceded by a funny animated short called “Daffy’s Rhapsody,” an adventure with Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd.

Oh, just one more thing, you should know that both the Warner Brothers cartoon and the feature film are in 3-D.

DVD RELEASE UPDATE

This column has often extolled the virtues of British television programs that may find their way to BBC America and eventually to a DVD release.

“Northern Lights: The Complete Collection,” featuring all 12 episodes and two movies of this comedy series, is being released on DVD by Acorn Media, to go-to outfit for British imports.

The series followed lifelong friends and rivals Colin Armstrong (Robson Green) and Howard Scott (Mark Benton) on a hilarious series of misadventures – really classic British wackiness.

As schoolboys, Colin and Howard fought over girls, soccer teams and clothes. Now married men in their thirties, their competition has shifted to more important, if mundane, matters like jobs and cars.

The comedy comes from insane rivalry of one-upmanship, where they try to outdo each other, even with Christmas decorations. Meanwhile, their long-suffering wives endure the collateral damage.

“Northern Lights” is the kind of classic comedy that “The Guardian” rightfully called “warm and witty comedy drama.”

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.