Based on the Jules Verne classic novel, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” endures yet another incarnation (in a long line of cinematic renderings) as director Eric Brevig puts his spin on this rather beloved material.

Writers Michael Weiss, Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin combine an updated storyline with cheesy dialogue that won’t likely bother the “tween-age” demographic this film was clearly made for. Despite some scary looking monsters (available for 3-D viewing in selected theaters), the PG rating helps make this film a family-fare alternative to animated offerings.

After years of contemplating the mysterious death of his brother, research geologist Trevor (Brendan Fraser) agrees to take his young nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) for an extended visit. The two initially have nothing in common other than a box of memorabilia belonging to Trevor’s brother. Among the items is a worn copy of “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” and as Trevor flips through the pages he notices extensive scientific notes his brother wrote in the margins. After making a connection to some seismic references that correspond to his own research, Trevor makes a bold decision to allow Sean to accompany him to Iceland hoping to discover the volcanic tube where his brother lost his life.

Joining them on their adventure is the daughter of one of his brother’s colleagues, Hannah (Anita Briem), who for a price agrees to be their guide. Of course, it doesn’t take long for the trio to fall into one of the volcanic tubes and soon enough they find themselves in danger, albeit unscathed, in a world that exists at the center of the earth.

Fending off man-eating plants, teeth-baring fish, grumpy dinosaur and a flock of illuminated birds, helps keep the group busy while they devise a crafty plan to propel themselves up a tunnel fueled by an explosion of steam.

Fraser utilizes the same trademark charm that has served him well in other action pictures like “The Mummy” series. Here, despite the goofy dialogue, he still manages to convey an appealing screen presence and like his co-stars appears to be taking the material seriously.

While not as visually spectacular as other sci-fi fantasy films currently vying for moviegoer’s dollars, the quick-paced run time of 90 minutes and the lack of overt gore, offensive language and gratuitous violence may give “Journey to the Center of the Earth” a respectable run at the box office.

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(2 1/2 stars out of 4.)