The core of the earth stops rotating, causing the electromagnetic field protecting it to rapidly decay. Within a year the planet will deteriorate to the point that all life will vanish.

A number of people with pacemakers drop dead at one time. Large groups of pigeons fly into walls and windows, creating panic in London's Trafalgar Square. And a space shuttle entry is thrown off course and forced to land in the Los Angeles river basin. Scientist Josh Keyes (Aaron Eckhart) convinces the renowned Dr. Conrad Zimsky (Stanley Tucci) that the earth is doomed because the core has come to a halt. Dr. Zimsky goes to his former friend and colleague, Dr. Ed Brazelton (Delroy Lindo) for assistance. Brazelton has created a metal called "unobtainum"; which if used for the hull of a subterranean craft (an "inner space ship") can withstand the heat and resistance forces of the inner earth...theoretically. That, along with a special laser beam he's developed, provides hope that the core can be restarted.

Think Armageddon, except here the space ship goes into the interior of the earth to plant and detonate explosives to jump-start the core. NASA Navigator Maj. Rebecca Childs (Hilary Swank) proved her mettle when she saved the space shuttle with her calculations and intuitive maneuvering with Captain Iverson (Bruce Greenwood). She will be the Captain on this mission. Rounding out the "terranaut" crew is Karyo (Sergei Leveque of The Good Thief).

Normally it would take 10-15 years to build the ship, but with the unlimited resources of the United States, where there is a will there is a way. Money is no object. Within a few months the ship is ready and the crew has been trained to save the world.

The launch takes place in the middle of the ocean and by the time the ship is ready to penetrate the core, it has gained a high rate of speed, that combined with the laser drill that rotates like a huge circular bit, propels them into inner earth. Along the way, as in an outer space adventure, various challenges happen to cause the deaths of some of the crewmembers. When it looks like there is no hope, the US military makes known a secret weapon, which while likely to be successful, would mean certain death for all those onboard.

The Core is a campy, satirical film about the role of diplomacy, how we treat our planet, and the weapons we develop (MAD = Mutual Assured Destruction). Much of the dialogue is corny, with stiff FBI agents telling Josh, when he questions whether he will go with them, "We have no sense of humor and we're armed." Later, before throwing a truly hilarious, adult size tantrum, Dr. Zimsky observes, "I couldn't think as slow as you if I tried."

Ultimately, you will laugh "with" the picture rather than simply "at" it. The film is formulaic, in that you know the crew will somehow be successful and that many good people will become heroes in giving their lives to save the world. We recommend The Core because it makes you think about ozone layers and such, and it's entertaining from beginning to end; you come to care about the "cardboard characters."

The special effects are a little hokey at times, yet they remain enjoyable. The destruction of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Greek Coliseum are a sight to behold. It's CGI heaven but that's all right. Considerable thought went into the story line, we enjoy seeing Delroy Lindo at his best, and Hilary Swank illustrates that women can lead in combat, and not just follow. Many critics will probably complain about the clichés but much of life is a cliché. As they say, "We got a job to do so let's do it."