Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D ***

Like a good theme park ride, "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D" takes you there with a minimum of fuss, a dose of humor, twists, turns, and thrilling scenes and creatures. But do see it in 3D if you can. Shot in RealD throughout, director Eric Brevig, a long-time visual effects supervisor ("The Day After Tomorrow," "Men in Black"), uses 3D to punch up a rather modest script with invention and visual jokes.

The light touch works well with this cast. Brendan Fraser, ever affable, focused, and a bit ironic, turns in a workmanlike performance. Talented young star Josh Hutcherson ("Firehouse Dog," "Bridge to Terabithia") steps easily into a major role. And the beautiful Anita Briem, in her first major film role, has just the no-nonsense and competent demeanor you would expect from a mountain guide.

The movie follows Jules Verne rather closely, with appropriate updates and explanations that work well for a PG romp. The kids will love it, and the adults, if they can loosen up a bit, will too.

Rated PG. 92 minutes. Eric Brevig - Director, Michael Weiss - Writer (screenplay), Michael Weiss - Writer (screenplay), Jennifer Flackett - Writer (screenplay), Mark Levin - Writer (screenplay), Jules Verne - Writer (novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth"), Beau Flynn - Producer, Cary Granat - Producer, Charlotte Huggins - Producer, Chuck Shuman - Cinematographer, Andrew Lockington - Composer, David Sandefur - Production Designer, Steven Rosenblum - Editor, Paul Martin Smith - Editor, Dirk Westervelt - Editor. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Principal actors: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem.