Review of Unaccompanied Minors (2006) by Johnny T — 28 May 2011

A film that's funny and entertaining for kids and adults. When it works, it's decent family fun; the kids are incredibly sharp. There isn't an original moment in the mix, but it's not as crass or vulgar as much of what passes for "family friendly" entertainment, and it keeps the precocious pop-culture references to a blessed minimum. Black's apoplectic fits and sardonic rants are strictly a bonus for the parents dragged along for the adolescent shenanigans. But the script's not as sharp as they are, and not everyone brings his A-game. It may not advance the art form, but it's a movie with pleasures for the whole family, and nowadays that's saying something. Crashes the slapstick of "Home Alone" into the youthful angst of "The Breakfast Club.".

VERDICT: "Matinée" - (Mixed reaction). These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says to pay matinée prices to see at a theatre or buy an ex rental or a cheap price the DVD to own.