January 29, 2007
This was such a great premise for a story, and it's such a shame that the story delivered by the film's writers and director is lame and lets it down. If you've seen the trailer you've seen the movie - it's just more of the same, only with a feeble excuse for a narrative. Kids will certainly love it (mine did) but it doesn't have enough to satisfy grown-ups, which means it is not destined for lasting success and affection as a family classic. Ben Stiller is just as adorable as usual, but it is very interesting to see Dick van Dyke and Mickey (is he really still alive?) Rooney as two of a trio of octogenarian bad-guys. Nice cameos from Luke Wilson and our own Steve Coogan; much mayhem and silliness. See once.