"B" Rating {If seen in 3D with children 12 yrs or younger} "C+" Rating {If seen only with adults in any format}

Let's face it. If you are one of those people who is incapable of suspending reality, movies are not your cup of tea. All movies, including those that border on great works of art, push the outside limit of one's imagination.

And while movies like "Journey to The Center of the Earth 3D" require not only the suspension of all concepts of reality but also most basic principles of logic, it is one of those films that is best described as pure, unadulterated fun. Of course scenes that depict humans falling down a bottomless abyss only to land safely are totally preposterous, but who really cares?

When it comes to superhero/science fiction movies, it is best not to allow yourself to be too picky. For example, "Iron Man" was great, but how did he really fly faster than a jet? And what about Indiana Jones surviving a thermonuclear blast at ground zero while inside an abandoned refrigerator? You know going into these movies that there are going to be several moments that leave you rolling your eyes, so you basically just go with the flow and hope that these moments don't define the film.

And while I had a genuinely great time at "Journey," you must approach it with a few simple rules in mind. Number one, it has to be seen in its 3D format. Like last year's "Beowulf," its' multiple thrills and chills are maximized when you are being swallowed up by the screen.

Secondly, it is mandatory that you take children under the age of twelve along with you. Even if your caustic, adult side fights to keep you from dipping into your inner child, the kids will have a spectacular time. And I have a pretty good feeling that you will as a result.

Who but Brendan Fraser is better suited to play a struggling scientist trying to discover if his long missing brother found the entrance to the center of the Earth? The likable Fraser recreates his goofy, wise cracking character that served him so well in both "Mummy" movies (1999) & (2001) and "Dudley Do-Right" (1999).

It is a credit to Fraser's earnestness as an actor that he actually gives this fantasy fest some dramatic coherence. The truth is that Fraser is a fine actor. As proof, go rent "Gods and Monsters" (1998), "The Quiet American" (2002) and the Oscar winning "Crash" (2005).

For those of you still left in doubt, think about the great fantasy adventure films you saw as a kid. The first for me was Walt Disney's "20000 Leagues Under the Sea" (1954), which starred the great Kirk Douglas and James Mason. I remember the sense of wonderment that I had as I watched this groundbreaking film, and I saw similar looks of enthusiastic joy in the faces of my two grandchildren.

Additionally, the special effects were extraordinarily good. While predictable, the runaway miner's coal car/roller coaster ride was thrilling. And the collection of man-eating plants and prehistoric beasts created a sense of terror that most kids love.

Furthermore, no movie of this type can work on any level without some genuine chemistry with its cast. And our three principal stars, Mr. Fraser, Josh Huthcherson as his young nephew and the sultry yet wholesome Anita Briem as their Icelandic guide make a fine team. While this is obviously first and foremost a special effect's movie, there is some genuine pathos and drama, particularly concerning the death of Fraser's brother, that is tender and moving.

While not a movie that is likely to increase your IQ, it will not insult you either. So if you want to see a movie that you can simply enjoy on a visceral level, go rent some kids and watch it in 3D.