Disney

This week: Disney's big-budget Martian adventure "John Carter" works better at home, where repeated viewings help one keep all the alien characters and their alliances straight.

Also new this week is the action blockbuster "Safe House" with Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington, the family adventure "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," and the Blu-ray debut of the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine."

'John Carter'

Buena Vista

Box Office: $73 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 52% Rotten
Storyline: In this PG-13 Disney movie based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' "Barsoom" novels, Taylor Kitsch plays a Civil War Confederate Army captain who discovers a medallion that transports him to Mars. There John Carter discovers that the lower gravity on the Red Planet enables him to jump great distances -- a talent that comes in handy when he is caught in the middle of a tribal war.
Extras! The short "100 Years in the Making" featurette on the DVD and Blu-ray looks at the life and career of Burroughs as well as the many attempts at adapting the first book into a film.
We Say: Though the movie is available on Blu-ray 3-D, the extra dimension is a bit of a distraction for this convoluted adventure that immediately throws you -- along with our shirt-challenged hero -- right in the middle of an otherworldly war with little explanation or backstory. The expensive CGI effects had Disney heads seeing red, but you can afford to drink them in repeatedly at home, because "John Carter" requires several viewings before the story connects.

'Safe House'

Universal

Box Office: $126 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 54% Rotten
Storyline: Ryan Reynolds plays the "housekeeper" of a CIA safe house in Cape Town, South Africa, where international criminal Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) is being held. When security is breached, Reynolds's low-level agent must keep the prisoner out of harm's way.
Extras! The Blu-ray exclusive "Safe Harbor: Cape Town" discusses the multicultural qualities of the South African city and why it was chosen as the primary filming location.
We Say: Action fans and fans of the two leads will enjoy the cat-and-mouse antics as Reynolds and Washington dart to and fro while dodging an endless hailstorm of bullets, but there isn't anything novel that makes "Safe House" stand apart from any other rat-a-tat cinematic attack.

'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island'

Turner Home Entertainment

Box Office: $103 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 42% Rotten
Storyline: Original "Journey to the Center of the Earth" star Josh Hutcherson returns in this sequel as Sean Anderson, a teen obsessed with finding his missing grandfather (Michael Caine) on an island that doesn't appear on any conventional map. Sean convinces his stepdad (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson") to fly them both to Palau, where they chart a helicopter and are sucked into a Jules Verne-inspired world of mysterious creatures and a quest to find Captain Nemo's tomb.
Extras! The Blu-ray exclusive "Are You Strong Enough to Survive Mysterious Island?" is an interactive map that allows you to explore the island further by watching videos and interviews.
We Say: This enjoyable, if unremarkable, PG-rated family adventure works best on Blu-ray 3-D because the format capitalizes on the theatrical version's tailor-made shots, like the underwater sequences with a giant electric eel or when Johnson bounces fruit off his dancing pecs right at the camera.

'Yellow Submarine' Blu-ray

Capitol

Box Office: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Fresh
Storyline: The Beatles and their yellow submarine are all that stand in the way of the Blue Meanies and a menacing Flying Glove threatening the paradise known as Pepperland, where music and happiness reign.
Extras! In addition to cel reproductions, collectible stickers and a 16-page booklet, this Blu-ray debut contains 30 behind-the-scenes photographs and 29 pencil drawings accessible via the disc's special features.
We Say: The swirling colors of this 1968 family flick only seem more vibrant in its transition to high definition, giving a new generation the chance to enjoy the strange lands and creatures visited by the animated Beatles.

Also New This Week:

"Act of Valor"
"Bad Ass"
"Erin Brokovich" Blu-ray
"Machine Gun Preacher"
"Sixteen Candles" Blu-ray

Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson is going to see what else is out there besides giant electrical eels and super-advanced submarines.

The "Fast Five" star is in talks to continue replacing Brendan Fraser in the third installment of the incredibly successful "Journey" series of sci-fi adventure films, according to The Wrap.

Johnson appeared as Hank Parsons, a stepfather who's looking to connect with his brooding stepson, Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson), in "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island." Their bonding commences when Sean intercepts a distress signal from his grandfather (Michael Caine), who's been stranded on the very island that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write "Treasure Island," Jonathan Swift to write "Gulliver's Travels" and, of course, Jules Verne to write "The Mysterious Island."

No word on what the plot of the third "Journey" will involve, but "Journey 2" ended with the family mulling over a copy of Verne's "From the Earth to the Moon," so our money's on an intergalactic space adventure.

The first film in the series, "Journey to the Center of the Earth," opened in 2008 and starred Brendan Fraser as Sean's uncle. That film took in $242 million in worldwide box office, though New Line must be happy with their decision to replace Fraser with The Rock, as "Journey 2" has already surpassed its predecessor with a $276 million worldwide box office take -- and counting, as the film still has yet to open in some foreign markets, including Japan.

Josh Hutcherson, who will next be seen in "The Hunger Games," is expected to reprise his role in "Journey 3," though nothing's been made official yet. No start date on "Journey 3" has been announced, as New Line is probably waiting to see how quickly Lionsgate might want to jump on "Catching Fire" before trying to work around Hutcherson's schedule.

Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson will next be seen as Roadblock in "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," opening June 29.

Warner Bros.

The journey isn't over yet.

Last month, New Line released "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," its first sequel to 2008's "Journey to the Center of the Earth," sans its original lead Brendan Fraser. Worldwide, the film has already earned more than $270 million, toppling the $242 million "Journey to the Center of the Earth" grossed in 2008.

Today, it's been announced that a third installment to the franchise is being put on the fast track.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, deals have just been closed to bring back "Journey 2" director Brad Peyton and screenwriters Brian and Mark Gunn for "Journey 3," which the studio intends to once again be in 3-D format.

Peyton said about the deal, "I grew up a fan of Verne, so I know a lot about the mythologies ... 'Mysterious Island' was one of eight or nine really seminal works. I know we've just scratched the surface of what we can do. This one's going to be a lot bigger. We're going to go to a completely different world. It's just going to be a bigger experience and we're going to grow the mythology. 'Journey 2' was about rebooting a franchise. Now it's about making the seminal work in the franchise."

Both installments so far have been based upon author Jules Vernes' "Voyages Extraordinaires" books, a series which contains a whopping 54 titles. No word yet on which book "Journey 3" will draw from.

Castmembers for "Journey 2" — including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, "The Hunger Games" star Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens and Michael Caine — reportedly have not been approached about returning for "Journey 3" just yet.

New Line looks to have a 2014 release for the picture.

What do you think? Which "Voyages" story should "Journey 3" venture to?

Getty Images

Time to 'fess up -- you've been secretly hating on Vanessa Hudgens for a while now, and with no real good reason. Sure, she's had a few rough TV moments. And yes, she starred in one of the most annoying gimmicky movie franchises in modern history, but she's not some drug-addled child star who couldn't transition to adulthood, either.

In fact, it's just the opposite. Now that her latest flick, "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" (alongside "Hunger Games" heartthrob Josh Hutcherson, no less) is just around the corner, we assembled a list of just a few reasons to stop hating on the Hudge. Vanessa, you're welcome.

1. You don't hate on Ryan Gosling for being a Mickey Mouser. Or Justin. Or Christina. Or Britney. Okay, maybe Britney a little (she kind of deserves it) -- but you get what we're saying, right? So many legit stars got their start on that teenybopper show it really doesn't seem fair to hold it against Hudgens. Seriously, have you seen the pictures of Gosling in his faux-letterman jacket and Zack Morris haircut when he ran with Mickey's gang? If you can forgive him, you can forgive her.

Also Check Out: "Journey 2" Trailer Stars The Rock, Hutcherson and a Mystery Isle

2. She's charitable. Really, she is -- and we're not talking about the kind of charity where she writes a check and calls it a day. She really works to promote causes she believes in. Just a few of the charities she's teamed up with in recent years include Habitat for Humanity, Keep a Child Alive, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Oh, and just a few days ago, she auctioned off the gown she wore to the MTV Video Music Awards to benefit Stand Up to Cancer. You've gotta admit, that's an impressive list even for someone who isn't famous.

Warner Bros.

3. She's starting to make bold career choices. True, she got her start in the world of fluorescent leggings and shows in which the majority of the plot happens through dancing, but she was a kid back then! She was surprisingly winning as a would-be rocker chick in "Bandslam"; and now that she's all growed up, she's picking grown-up movies to match. Last year's "Sucker Punch" marked a turning point, and in her upcoming drama, "Gimme Shelter," she plays a teen who sets out to find her Wall Street father and is forced into a desperate journey for survival on the streets. We're pretty sure there's no dancing in that.

4. Who hasn't taken a nude picture or two? You know you've done it, against your better judgment, because everyone has taken nude photos at some point. So is it really that big a deal that Hudgens is just like the rest of us and grabbed a camera one moment when she was feeling particularly confident? We sure don't think so, and deep down, neither do you, so give the girl a break. It wasn't like she posed for Playboy in her Mickey Mouse ears -- though that's not a terrible idea.

5. She broke up with Zefron for you. So, maybe she didn't break up with him for you, specifically, but she did call it quits just the same, and that's gotta count for something. She and Efron were basically attached at the hip from the moment they met, and the twosome became a staple Hollywood star couple. It's hard enough to break up with your significant other even when the whole world doesn't always expect you to be a package deal at every photo op, but she did it -- and for that, we commend her.

6. She's smokin' hot. Uh, in case you haven't noticed (and missed the aforementioned nude photos), this girl is hot. Really hot. Most of us go through what is commonly coined an "awkward phase" between childhood and our 20s, but she somehow skipped it entirely, transforming from adorable little girl to gorgeous young woman almost overnight. What's more, she looks as good in beat-up jeans as in evening gowns, and if that's not a good enough reason to stop hating on her, we don't know what is.

Hey fellas, if you're having a hard time getting attention from the ladies, well, we feel you. Luckily, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson also feels your pain, which is why he recently sat down with the folks at MTV U to teach his patented and award-winning move that is guaranteed to wow the women: The pec pop of love.

As The Rock says so eloquently in "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island:" Boom.

Of course, the pec pop isn't for everybody -- for instance, it helps a lot if you have pecs to pop -- but take it from Johnson: If this move doesn't help you, nothing will.

Warner Bros.

"Journey to the Center of the Earth" was a great, family friendly adventure, and the upcoming sequel "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" looks like it's going to be even better.

But, with apologies to those terrific films, our incredible new "Journey 2" giveaway may be the best journey yet.

Because it's a Journey to the Center of the Bling.

Of course, that's fitting considering the absolute gold mine of excitement "Journey 2" seems poised to deliver. Sure, "Journey to the Center of the Earth's" Brendan Fraser has bowed out this time around. But considering Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has stepped up to fill the void — and the fact that Josh Hutcherson (you know, the Josh Hutcherson who is also about to star in "The Hunger Games") is back — suggests that if anything, this latest adaptation of a classic Jules Verne novel may be even better than the original.

Which brings us back to the part where we're about to enrich your future with a truly epic prize package. Here's how it works: All you have to do in order to win one of two humongous piles of "Journey 2" loot is wrestle a dinosaur enter your name and cross your fingers. It's that simple.

So give it a shot. Because there's no trip as fun as a journey to winnserville.

One Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
• Back Pack with "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" Leather Patch
• Vintage Hoodie
• "Who's Up For an Adventure" Faded Washed Blue T-shirt
• "Gabato's Luxury Tours" Navy Worn Hat
• Canteen (BPA Free)
• Mouse Pad/Notepad with Calendar
• Coconut Drink Set
• Youth "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island"-branded Black Glow-in-the-Dark Tee
• Viewer w/Movie Images
• Ginormous Grow Lizard
• Adventure Tool - $10
• Sun Kit with Waterproof Pouch, Sunscreen Spray and Lip Balm

One First Prize Winner Will Receive:
• Youth Backpack with "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" Metal Emblem
• Vintage Hoodie
• "Who's Up For an Adventure" Faded Washed Blue T-shirt
• "Gabato's Luxury Tours" Navy Worn Hat
• Canteen (BPA Free)
• Mouse Pad/Notepad with Calendar
• Coconut Drink Set
• Youth "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island"-branded Black Glow-in-the-Dark Tee
• Viewer w/Movie Images
• Ginormous Grow Lizard
• Adventure Tool - $10
• Sun Kit with Waterproof Pouch, Sunscreen Spray and Lip Balm

To enter, just shoot us an email at NextMovie@MTV.com and include your name, address, birthdate and be sure to copy and paste the following statement:

“By sending this email, I accept and agree to: (1) the Official Rules of the 'Journey 2: A Mysterious Island' Giveaway and (2) MTV Networks’, a division of Viacom International Inc., Nextmovie.com Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.”

The contest runs from now until 4 p.m. ET on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012. Entrants must be at least 13 years old and reside in the U.S. Click here for complete rules and further details.

As an added bonus, all entrants will be signed up for the fun and useful UpNext newsletter. As an UpNext subscriber, you'll receive daily updates on the hottest releases, events and merch from the world of movies.

Also, be sure to check out the official movie site and Facebook page for all the movie details and look for "Journey 2: A Mysterious Island" in theaters on Feb. 10.

According to the Chinese calendar, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, but according to the Hollywood calendar it's going to be the Josh Hutcherson's year as well ... and MTV has an exclusive new interview with the man himself showing exactly why.

Not that it needs much explanation; after all, besides his starring role in the upcoming adventure film "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," Hutcherson is also co-starring in a little something you might have heard of called "The Hunger Games." Yeah, that'll do it.

So what else is Hutcherson planning to do this year? And how does directing fit into it? Head over to MTV to find out -- and don't forget to mark those calendars, because the year of Josh Hutcherson is here and the fun has just begun.

Warner Bros.

The world has a lot of strange and interesting islands. New Zealand, for instance, is a pretty mysterious island. Japan is also fairly mysterious. And don't even get us started about Staten Island.

But when you have an island that features mountains of gold, bees the size of Volkswagens and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's steel-hard pecs -- not to mention "The Hunger Games" star Josh Hutcherson -- then you have to agree that "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" may just top them all.

"Journey 2," of course, implies that there was a "Journey 1," and in this case it's referring not to the legendary rock band (sorry, Randy Jackson) but instead to the family-friendly 2008 3-D adventure "Journey to the Center of the Earth." This time around, they aren't going anywhere near the center of the Earth, with the destination instead being a completely different Jules Verne story, "The Mysterious Island."

Said island contains a bunch of amazing and weird things, but one thing it does not have is the star of the first movie, Brandon Fraser. Instead, we are treated to The Rock, Selena Gomez and Michael Caine, as well as returning young stud Hutcherson.

So is that a net gain? Take a look at the new trailer for "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," courtesy of Yahoo! Trailers, and judge for yourself:

Getty Images

And we have a feeling she's going to find it.

Vanessa Hudgens will be setting sail with Dwayne Johnson and Josh Hutcherson in "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Brendan Fraser-less sequel to "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D" features young Sean (Hutcherson) joining forces with his mom's boyfriend (The Rock!) to find his missing grandfather.

Vanessa will be playing something of a love interest for Hutcherson as they battle the torrid elements and horrific beasties. Perhaps she'll even burst into song at some point.

The Hudge's career has been quite a "Journey" itself, going from "High School Musical" star to island-exploring hottie. And 2011 is shaping up to be quite a year for her, as she'll also be appearing in Zack Snyder's "Sucker Punch" (as a character named Blondie -- that's probably meant to be ironic in a cool ironic way) and as the lovestruck Lindy in the much-delayed "Beastly."

"Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" will begin shooting in late October in North Carolina and Hawaii. The film opens Sept. 23, 2011.