Vanessa Hudgensmay be forever linked to her breakout role inHigh School Musical, but her career has been a more nuanced journey. She made her feature film debut in the gritty indieThirteen(2003) before gaining widespread fame as Gabriella Montez in Disney’sHigh School Musicaltrilogy(2006–2008). This launched her into the mainstream, cementing her as a pop culture icon of the 2000s.
Beyond her Disney roots,Hudgens has steadily expanded her filmography. She has appeared in films likeBandslam(2009),Beastly, Zack Snyder’sSucker Punch(both 2011), and the early A24 movieSpring Breakers(2012), showcasing her range and bold choices. Her later work includesSecond Act(2018),Bad Boys for Life(2020), and the Netflix musicalTick, Tick… Boom!(2021).
Recently, Hudgens has become known for Netflix Christmas movies, starring inThe Princess Switch(2018) and its sequels, subtitledSwitched Again(2020) andRomancing the Star(2021). She’s also starred inThe Knight Before Christmas(2019). However,it’s an underrated gem from 2012 starring Vanessa Hudgens that is now a hit on Netflix.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Is A Hit On Netflix
Journey 2: The Mysterious Islandis now a hit on Netflix. A sequel to 2008’sJourney to the Center of the Earth, and in turn based on Jules Verne’s 1875 novel, the 2012 film follows 17-year-old Sean Anderson, nephew of Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser), who receives a distress signal from his long-lost grandfather (Michael Caine) and embarks on a rescue mission to a mysterious island.
Sean is joined by his no-nonsense stepfather (Dwayne Johnson) and a quirky helicopter crew. Luis Guzmán plays the proprietor of the helicopter tour in Palau, while Vanessa Hudgens plays his daughter.Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’s castalso includes Kristin Davis and Branscombe Richmond. It was directed by Brad Peyton, known for directing Dwayne Johnson vehicles, also includingSan Andreas(2015) andRampage(2018).
Now, 13 years after its release,Journey 2: The Mysterious Islandranks fifthon Netflix’s Top 10 movies in the United States for today, August 8. It ranks belowKPop Demon Hunters,Happy Gilmore 2,Freelance,My Oxford Year, and aboveThe 5th Wave,Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation,Megamind,Despicable Me 2, andRadio.
Our Take On Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’s Netflix Success
Despite its sudden Netflix resurgence,Journey 2: The Mysterious Islandremains a mixed bag. For younger audiences, its bright visuals, slapstick humor, and nonstop adventure might feel like cinematic treasure. But for most adults, its paper-thin plot, goofy tone, and uninspired dialogue render it cartoonishly dull. It’s a harmless romp, just one best enjoyed by younger and less discerning explorers.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Cast
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the follow-up to 2008’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. The film takes place four years after the original, showing Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson teaming up with Hank, his stepfather, to find his lost grandfather. Due to scheduling issues, Brendan Fraser wasn’t able to return as Trevor Anderson but was replaced by Dwayne Johnson as the film’s lead.
