Brutal cold forces an Antarctic explorer and his guide to leave their team of sled dogs behind as they leave ahead of impending storms to fend for their survival. Paul Walker plays the part of a heartbroken guide who spends the next six months trying to get back to check on his beloved sled dogs.
 

This story is based on a true event and couldn’t be filmed without the people involved, for it was their objectives that put all subjects into the picture. But let me tell you folks, it isn’t the people in this film that make the story, that flutter the heartstrings in little ways that seldom are fluttered in an old veteran like myself. It was those incredibly marvelous sled dogs. Liberties were taken with a few realities, but the director’s (and editor’s) skills were superb and smoothly delivered.  And if the body language of my nine year-old grandson was any indication, his appreciation was as high as my own.
 

This is a movie you won’t want to wait to come to the small screen. You’ll want the largest surround sound/screen you can find. Otherwise you’ll miss too much. Think of it — Antarctica — from your left shoulder to your right. You actually have to turn your head to see that expanse of snowy blue-white ice mountains in one direction better than another. And when the ice cracks? That rumble goes South to North and you can feel it breaking out of those powerful speakers. Wow!
 

Of course soft drinks and popcorn will cost you $15.00 to $30.00 in addition to the tickets. But then who needs that junk? Fill everyone up with some good snacks or a meal before the movie at a real restaurant. See this movie with your family or see it with a date or find a buddy that loves dogs. See it.         
 

© 2006 R. Leland Waldrip