Soon enough, the trio find themselves trapped behind tons of rock and forced to go deep into a cave, which leads to a fall deep into the Earth's crust (the "We're still falling!" scene, which, I must say, was done better in Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey) where their journey resumes. Now, if I were to continue recounting the story, there would be no reason to go see the film, right?

If and when you see this version of Journey to the Center of the Earth, the best advice I can give you is to not over-think it. This is not a deep film, there are no messages to dig up, no character development, nothing. All there is is the roller coaster ride that takes us deep into the Earth and eventually back out. There is no sense of any real danger. At no point did I think that these characters were in any genuine peril; it did not help that they never seem scared, they pretty much take it in stride.

When it comes right down to it, this is the sort of movie that youngsters will love and everyone else will forget in a rather short period of time. I am already beginning to forget the details myself; that does not make it bad in and of itself, but it certainly doesn't help. However you want to look at it, it is fun, just insubstantial fun.

Bottom line. As a showcase for RealD, this movie works well. As a movie, it leaves something to be desired. I cannot completely dismiss it, as it does have its charms and it moves at a brisk pace that doesn't give you time to be bored. My recommendation would be to go see it in 3D or not at all.

Mildly Recommended.