Review of Jules Verne's Mysterious Island

I agree SyFy movies follow certain convention. They cannot be compared to big nationwide blockbusters with spectacular special effects and equally big budgets. SyFy movies can be all characterized by really good stories, usually based on accomplished sci-fi novels, but at the expense of modest and limited special effects. Because I grew on books and I prefer a movie with an interesting story, even sacrificing the technical level, than completely mindless and empty blockbusters offering ONLY technical effects. For example I prefer obvious CGI with a good story behind, rather than huge catastrophic explosions costing millions of dollars with no content at all. If a have a good story I can make up for poor effects with my own imagination, but with no story I leave the theater completely empty-minded.

So this movie is just like that - poor effects when compared to Transformers and other nationwide hits, but an interesting story based loosely on Jules Verne's classic. Nice dose of action, some history, some cultural clash between different historical periods, everything makes logical sense, decently acted. Maybe not Oscar-worthy, but still very watchable.

I am really a big fan of SyFy and its convention. I only wish they would become a paid channel so that they can escape the usual network censorship and other limitations. Still staying focused on stories rather than effects, but more open to the after-hours market. Something like HBO.