THE WACPINE OF ‘EIGHT BELOW’

WRITING: 7
ATMOSPHERE: 8
CHARACTERS: 7
PRODUCTION: 8
INTRIGUE: 7
NOVELTY: 6
ENJOYMENT: 7

Eight Below is a family-friendly survival film with loads of snow, dogs and Paul Walker. The story is straightforward and predictable, but convincingly depicts the friendship between Jerry and his dogs. What makes the film special is the fact that it doesn’t focus on the survival of the human characters but rather the loveable dogs. The biggest problem is the lack of plot progression; the story drags out in the second act until the inevitable climax. We all know what to expect and it feels excruciating to watch the film avoid its fate with pointless build-up. The lengthy sequences with the dogs alone on Antarctica also turn tiresome quickly.

At times, Right Below proves to be both exciting and exhilarating. It's at its best, however, when it depicts the touching relationship between Jerry and the dogs. Animal lovers will find lots to love with the film and friends of survival flicks won’t be too disappointed either. This is no over-the-top Roland Emmerich movie, so it keeps the tension and dangers somewhat believable and contained.

Paul Walker is the confident hero as ever, and the dog actors are pretty wonderful as well. Those dogs are the best actors in the film and have several great scenes by themselves. Walker’s Jerry, while a man with his heart in the right place, seems unusually ineffective in his actions. The rest of the cast falls into clichéd parts and do not stand out much.

The snowy landscapes and the perils of the Antarctic are believably captured and there is a true sense of cold danger and icy atmosphere. CGI is used sparingly but convincingly and the direction is marvellous, particularly when we see nothing but dogs fighting to survive.

The heroic survivor dogs keep this film flowing whenever Paul Walker isn't around saving the day. Paul Walker is always a joy to see in these kinds of movies, and his rapport with the dogs is even better than any of the scenes he shares with his co-actors.


Eight Below is a typical family-friendly survival film, that allows its dog actors to shine over the human cast. Story-wise it has little new to offer and it’s also a very typical Paul Walker film.


Despite the troubles of the plot, the fairly forgettable cast and the formulaic structure, Eight Below is an exciting, touching and entertaining film well worth a rewatch or two.

WACPINE RATING: 7.14 / 10 = 3,5 stars