ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE STORY 'EIGHT BELOW' IS A CUT ABOVE.

Byline: Evan Henerson Staff Writer

GIVEN THE amount of screen time afforded a pack of handsome dogs cavorting, hunting, running and simply lying in the snow, you get the idea that Frank Marshall, director of the adventure film ``Eight Below,'' is a devotee of the ``March of the Penguins'' principle.

You're familiar with the principle. Its basic tenet proclaims that sometimes animals are more lively and exciting to watch than any two-legged performers who are paid for their services in something other than fresh fish or Alpo. In this case, the assumption would be correct. Imperiled or otherwise, Maya, Max and the gang of eight Alaskan huskies and malamutes that get left behind in Antarctica are considerably more diverting than Paul Walker, Jason Biggs and the other performers whose characters abandon the unfortunate canines.

That's no giant knock on Walker (the heartthrob star of ``Into the Blue'' and the ``Fast and the Furious'' flicks), whose character's quest to return to Antarctica gives ``Eight Below'' its dramatic spine. Walker's Jerry Shepard is an amiable enough guy, hunkish if a bit withdrawn. Most importantly for the purpose of this movie, the man clearly worships his pooches. Enough time spent with those great huskies (most of which are played by a couple of dogs apiece) and the film figures any audience member without a heart of flint will be equally besotted.

The entertainment value of ``Eight Below'' is considerable, but I wonder about its credibility. Inspired by the 1983 Japanese film ``Nankyoku Monogatari'' - another sled-dogs-left-behind yarn - ``Eight Below'' and screenwriter David DiGillo suggest that the majority of these eight domesticated sled dogs managed to survive for more than six months in the most punishing of conditions through instinct, smarts and teamwork. Teamwork? Dogs are faithful and loyal, granted, but hunger is a powerful thing. You've got to wonder what's keeping these guys from trying to eat each other when the going gets rough (or ruff).

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, here's the plot: A research team in Antarctica, the ``bottom of the world,'' gets a visit from academic geologist Davis McLaren (played by Bruce Greenwood). McLaren is hunting for a meteor from Mercury, and guide Jerry and his mushers are recruited to lead the excursion. Mission is quickly accomplished, but injuries and a raging storm force Jerry and McLaren back to the base.

The research station is evacuated for the remainder of the winter season, and there's no room on the rescue plane for any of the dogs. Katie (Moon Bloodgood), Jerry's on-again-off-again pilot gal pal, promises she'll go back for them. But the government - and truly nasty weather - intervenes, and the dogs are stuck. A brooding Jerry makes it his mission to return, even if it means discovering his pals as dogsicles.

This being a Disney movie, that's clearly not going to happen. The dogs burst their collars, learn to hunt birds, explore their snowy surroundings and have a rather terrifying encounter with an enormous tiger seal (depicted with animatronic exactitude by creature master Stan Winston). They spend a lot of time licking each other or burrowing their furry bodies against each other in the snow. Altogether now, everybody: aaawwwww!

Dog fanciers and lovers of white-out arctic-looking scenery (much of ``Eight Below'' was filmed in northern Canada) should be plenty pleased. Either way, Marshall's film is infinitely more substantial than, say, the execrable Cuba Gooding Jr. flick ``Snow Dogs,'' which featured some of these same ``Eight Below'' huskies. Good to know a dog can get a second chance in Hollywood.

EIGHT BELOW - Three stars

(PG: some peril, brief strong language)

Starring: Paul Walker, Jason Biggs, Bruce Greenwood.

Director: Frank Marshall.

Running time :2 hrs.

Playing: In wide release.

In a nutshell: Some resourceful chilly dogs make for lively adventure-flick viewing.