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"The World's
Greatest Superheroes Are
Snowballs!" |
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Directed by Peter Hewitt
- Written by Adam
Rifkin, David Berenbaum
Starring Tim Allen,
Courteney Cox, Chevy
Chase, Rip Torn, Kate
Mara
Distributed by Columbia -
2006 - 83mins - Rated PG |
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Richard Propes'
Review
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C- |
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Didn't we see this film last year...and the year before? |
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Despite the fact that
it is a virtual retread of several other kiddie superhero flicks,
"Zoom" is a modestly enjoyable but ultimately irrelevant film destined
for a quick exit from theatres and headed to a more successful run as
light, family-oriented entertainment.
Tim Allen seems committed to recreating Kurt Russell's Disney days, as
he appears in yet another goofy, pointless family flick with light
laughs, light entertainment but enough "awwww" moments to make it a
semi-enjoyable view for families. The film has enough dialogue that
its target younger audience will find it boring in spots, however, the
dialogue is so fundamental that adults are also likely to be bored
much of the time.
The odd fact is that none of this is the fault of the cast, a
hodge-podge of "B" listers whose efforts here are admirable
considering the below-average material they have to work with much of
the time.
"Zoom" brings us the story of Jack (Tim Allen), a former superhero
known as "Captain Zoom," who is forced back into action to train a new
group of Zenith Team members including: 1) Houdini (Michael Cassidy),
a 17-year-old brooding teen able to make himself disappear coupled
with the gift of "mindsight", 2) Wonder (Kate Mara), a 16-year-old
beautiful outcast with mind-reading abilities, 3) Megaboy (Spencer
Breslin), a 12-year-old overweight youth able to massively increase
his body size, and 4) Princess (Ryan Newman), a 6-year-old with
tremendous strength.
Admit it. Already you've already identified similar films...say "Sky
High," "Galaxy Quest", the "Spy Kids" films, and even "Zathura?"
Virtually every aspect of this film feels familiar, and it doesn't
help to have Rip Torn playing the evil military guy with a hidden
agenda. Doesn't Torn play a similar role in just about every other
film?
Add into the mix a "Captain Zoom" worshipping psychologist with a
secret (Courteney Cox) and a bumbling scientist (Chevy Chase), and you
have the makings of one enjoyable Disney flick...Disney Channel, that
is.
As directed by Peter Hewitt ("Garfield" and "Thunderpants"), "Zoom" is
a formulaic and predictable film with a second-rate production that
includes a "Zathura" like graphic design right down to an obnoxious
"Zenith Team" logo that seems to separate all the major scenes.
The script, by Adam Rifkin and David Berenbaum, is a mishmash of flat
jokes and familiar set-ups. Only the occasional "awww" moment serves
to remind us that both Rifkin ("Small Soldiers") and Berenbaum ("Elf")have
previously written decent films along with their much larger
collection of sub-par films.
Somehow, without almost any justification, Allen and the gang almost
work together to make this film enjoyable. Allen, who in the film's
funniest moment during the closing credits acknowledges being funnier
on the TV, doesn't really stretch himself here but does manage to do
what he does fairly well. Cox has always been somewhat convincing as
sort of a beautiful nerd, and her comfortable presence makes her
sympathetic character that much more believable.
Chase is given only one scene where we are truly reminded of his comic
potential, while Torn plays virtually the same character he always
plays in these sorts of films.
All of the young actors do a serviceable job here, and their chemistry
makes the building of the team easier to buy into. The younger set,
Breslin and Newman, offer particularly stronger, funnier performances
and Newman's character is blessed with the vast majority of the film's
"awww" moments. Kevin Zegers, so wonderful in "TransAmerica," is a
virtual caricature here as Captain Zoom's long lost brother turned
evil.
The end result is really a film that more sputters than zooms, but
survives mainly upon the strength of its committed cast with an
obvious chemistry. If you found that you really enjoyed all the "Spy
Kids" films, "Zathura" and "Sky High," then odds are you will find
pockets of "Zoom" you will enjoy tremendously. If, however, you find
yourself groaning even as I mention those other films, then "Zoom" is
most definitely not the film for you.
There are films that you have to rush out and see in the theatre, then
there are films that are best left for DVD. "Zoom" will be a decent
flick for the entire family, but you can easily afford to wait for the
DVD. |
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© Written by Richard Propes -
Email Me! |
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How We Rated This Film
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TC Candler -
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| Richard Propes
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C- |
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Jacob Hall
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TC Candler's Comment
n/a
Jacob Hall's
Comment
n/a
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