Journey to the Center of the Earth, Now in 3D!

The new 3D version of Journey to the Center of the Earth opens Friday and I have to admit, the 3D is pretty terrific. I'm just a sucker for 3D anyway... ever since I saw Vincent Price swinging into Carolyn Jones' room in 3D in House of Wax when I was a kid and cowered in my seat I've been hooked. I'll see anything in 3D -- and have. I remember the monster's hands outstretched in Creature From the Black Lagoon... the falling rocks in It Came From Outer Space... the liver on the end of the stake jutting over my head in Andy Warhol's Frankenstein.... Demi Moore in 3D in Parasite.... those bountiful girls in The Stewardesses.... even Jason and Freddie in 3D in Friday the 13th 3D and Freddy's Dead....

Journey to the Center of the Earth is basically a kid's movie -- with the likable Brendan Fraser as Trevor, a scientist who travels with his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) to Iceland where they team up with hottie guide Hannah (Anita Briem) to follow clues left by Trevor's missing brother. It's based on the supposition that the Jules Verne book was actually a secret code to an actual map to the center of the earth. A rock slide and a long fall down a crater leads them to this mythical kingdom and there are dinosaurs, creepy flying fish and giant venus fly traps to satisfy the kid in all of us. Directed by visual effects man Eric Brevig, the 3D is pretty wonderful. Based on the Fusion System -- a state-of-the-art camera rig developed by filmmaker James Cameron which is more portable -- the effects are just eye-popping and thrilling. Having Brendan Fraser just brushing his teeth and spitting into the camera is a hoot and a dinosaur's spittle flying into your face is enough to have you squealing with delight. The movie is lightweight and sweet, but I had a great time with the glasses. So grab a bunch of kids (or just steal some) and head to the theater Friday to see the movie.