Like all Cirque du Soleil productions, "Journey of Man" is a showcase for transcendent beauty and astonishing physical achievement. Originally produced as a 3-D IMAX presentation, this 39-minute film remains impressive on smaller screens, although its guiding theme (the evolution of humankind through the power of dreams, faith, and love) is sweetly contrived. It's the way this theme is expressed that matters: elements of Cirque du Soleil's awe-inspiring stage act are performed amidst wondrous settings, accompanied by Benoît Jutras's inspiring score, and metaphorically representing the birth, growth, and maturity of "the Universal Child." The journey of man comes full circle to the sustaining belief that all things are possible. It's this point that is best expressed by the remarkable feats of Cirque du Soleil's lavishly costumed performers, including a uniquely graceful underwater ballet, swooping bungee- cord choreography, two precisely balanced human "statues" in perfect synchronicity, and other wonders that must be seen to be believed. "--Jeff Shannon"