In the Antarctic, after an expedition with Dr. Davis McClaren, the sled dog trainer Jerry Shepherd has to leave the polar base with his colleagues due to the proximity of a heavy snow storm. He ties his dogs to be rescued after, but the mission is called-off and the dogs are left alone at their own fortune. For six months, Jerry tries to find a sponsor for a rescue mission.
The plot's slavish schmaltz proves as oppressive as the harsh winter that descends upon the dogs.
– Peter L'Official,
Village Voice,
21 Feb 2006
rotten:
It's too cliched, it's too rote, and honestly I think you have to care a little bit more about the individual dogs to believe that these people would care so much.
– Richard Roeper,
Ebert & Roeper,
21 Feb 2006
rotten:
Eight Below runs two hours and would have benefited from losing 30 minutes of that -- all of it from Jerry's (Paul Walker) protracted quest. The other human actors are simply types.
– Emily Yoffe,
Slate,
23 Feb 2006
fresh:
It's heartwarming, occasionally exciting, and some of the cinematography is exemplary.
– Derek Adams,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
fresh:
Live-action animal adventures have always been a Disney specialty, and this one has a pretty compelling plot.