Heroes and dogs and dogs that are heroes -- what more can you want from a Disney adventure movie?

"Eight Below" delivers on tradition, providing an exciting, feel-good adventure relying on grit and heart rather than special effects and cornball humor. Just make sure you wear a sweater to the theater.

"Eight Below" is based on a true story, a 1957 Japanese expedition to Antarctica that became perilous, and required the temporary abandonment of several brave sled dogs who had to be left behind because of a fierce storm.

The story was made into an extremely popular Japanese film in 1983, now updated. In "Eight Below," Paul Walker plays Jerry, an experienced Antarctic guide and sled-team operator, assigned along with his eight dogs to get geologist Davis (Bruce Greenwood) to a remote location, where he will find and bring home pieces of meteoric rock vital to a better understanding of the universe.

The trip is fraught with the usual perils of Antarctic travel, including potential avalanches, weak ice and other hazards. Jerry, Davis and the dogs work their way through these things, but not before Davis is injured just as the worst blizzard in 25 years approaches.

Following a safe return to camp, all humans at the base are evacuated, but the dogs must be left behind. This doesn't sit well with Jerry, the loyal master who has counted on the dogs to save his skin more than once. He begins a perilous journey to return to camp and rescue the dogs, helped by the brave pilot Katie (Moon Bloodgood).

The dogs, meanwhile, using strength and smarts, are surviving on their own in brutal conditions. The question becomes whether Jerry can reach them before it's too late.

"Eight Below" is icy-cold with a warm heart and a sense of adventure. A throwback to Disney live-action of decades ago, the film teaches as it moves along, and isn't afraid to mix sentiment and loyalty into the mix, alongside heroics. It's a true tall tale allowing us to smile through our shivers.