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In The Core, a special metallic ship carrying humans called "terranauts" digs through Earth like a worm attacking an apple. Such is the premise of this new science fiction film that supposes the Earth's core stops rotating. This causes a multitude of problems including massive electrical storms and earthquakes. Think Armageddon meets Jules Verne with no prehistoric monsters and you have The Core.

Aaron Eckert is a laid-back college professor who is suddenly called upon by the military to solve a problem. Why did over 30 people drop dead in one city at the same time? Answer: they had pacemakers. Is this a massive medical equipment failure problem, or something else? In any story, it is the "something else" and soon, Eckert, with Tchery Karyo is figuring out the problem. In the meantime, pilots Hilary Swank and Bruce Greenwood are having a difficult time landing a space shuttle that is suddenly off-course. This is a stressful time, reminding audiences of recent shuttle events. Eventually, the group, plus scientists Lindo and Tucci, and expert hacker D. J. Qualls (who stays on the planet's surface) are called together to bore into the Earth (with Lindo's newly constructed ship, "Virgil") and use atomic bombs to kick-start the core. There are the various personalities to contend with (snooty vs. practical), the usual race out of a room before a metal door closes, and hoping the outside hull is safe.

The story is full of holes; such as how did Eckert get to know Qualls in the first place? Or, why do Swank and Greenwood get on each other's nerves? There is a mystery military project (wouldn't be a science fiction film without one) called "Destini" that could be given more explanation. Special effects are slightly above average and resemble your basic television series. This reviewer did like the huge underground crystals, however, and the sensation of traveling through molten rock. Also, the space shuttle part was good. 

Acting-wise, Swank displays as much emotion as a rock, while Eckert emotes and takes his shirt off. Lindo is the sad scientist while Tucci is the prissy guy that has mannerisms reminiscent of Dr. Smith from television's old "Lost in Space" series. Qualls is the one who steals the scenes, though. Here is a hacker-supreme who craves only "Xena" tapes and lots of microwaved sandwiches. Qualls hunches over his computer screen like a spider after its prey. A battalion of these guys could rule the universe. But, I didn't mind it the idea of this film. Sometimes, a far-fetched picture hits you are the right time and this was my time with The Core.

If you are looking for a good "B" flick such as what made 40 years ago, then The Core might be for you. Suspend belief; park your brain by the popcorn machine and dive into a theater seat for a ride through solid rock. The coliseum explodes, birds fly through plate glass windows, and the Golden Gate Bridge fries. Man will be toast in three months if "Virgil" doesn't accomplish the mission. Jules Verne, you started this ball rolling a long time ago. Instead of "Star Trek," this film could have been named "Terra Trek."

Copyright 2003 Marie Asner
Submitted 3/29/03