‘Nautilus’ gives Capt. Nemo a swashbuckling origin story

Jules Verne’s imaginative stories have been brought to life in various film adaptations, some more faithful than others, dating back to the early days of silent films like Georges Méliès’ 1902 “A Voyage to the Moon,” which was partially based on his 1865 novel “From the Earth to the Moon.” For several decades following this, filmmakers seemed particularly inspired by Verne’s works, perhaps influenced by the success of Disney’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and Mike Todd’s “Around the World in 80 Days.” Films like “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” “In Search of the Castaways,” “Five Weeks in a Balloon,” and more were practically a staple during this period. I fondly remember watching these films on TV as a child; they are cheesy but enjoyable, much like the updated version “Nautilus” with its advanced special effects, anti-corporate themes, diverse characters, and a touch of humor.