Loosely based on the Jules Verne classic, the movie stars the ever-studly Brendan Fraser as Trevor Anderson, a geologist who with his brother, Max (Jean Michel Paré), wants to prove his theories about hidden realms below the Earth's surface. When Max goes missing, Trevor becomes a semi-willing guardian to his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson). When Sean uncovers a clue in his father's belongings, it sends Sean and Trevor to Iceland to investigate an underground phenomenon.

Soon enough, Trevor, Sean and Hannah (Anita Briem), a plucky Icelandic mountain guide, are exploring a cave. Then the bottom falls out and they are hurtled into a strange land with a vast ocean, lush vegetation and, oh yeah, living dinosaurs.

First-time director Eric Brevig, a veteran visual-effects wizard whose credits include "Total Recall" and "Pearl Harbor," puts the fun stuff up on the screen, whether it's a giant T. Rex or a rollercoaster-like mine cart (À la "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"). And the effects really pop in digital 3-D, taking advantage of the improved technology for a crisp and dynamic look. (He and the writers, Michael D. Weiss and the "Nim's Island" team of Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin, even poke fun at 3-D-movie clichés in an early scene.)

It isn't the best family-friendly film of this summer - not with a bumper crop that includes "Wall-E," "Kung Fu Panda" and "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl." But "Journey to the Center of the Earth" is a fun ride, and a lot cheaper than the drive to Six Flags.

Sean P. Means can be reached at movies@sltrib.com or 801-257-8602. Send comments about this review to livingeditor@sltrib.com.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Where - Theaters everywhere.

When - Opens today.

Rating - PG for intense adventure action and some scary moments.

Running time - 92 minutes.

Bottom line - A fun and fast thrill ride that positively pops in 3-D.