Jamie Kennedy and Alex D. Linz in "Max Keeble's Big Move."

MOVIE INFORMATION

With 10 as a must-see, we give this film a: Stars: Alex D. Linz and Larry Miller Director: Tim Hill Rated: PG, with some bullying and crude humor Length: 90 minutes

ROCHESTERCRITIQUE

Having seen this film, how would you rate it? 10 5 9 4 8 3 7 2 6 1

By Margaret A. McGurk
Gannett News Service

(October 5, 2001) -- The Disney empire has made so many great films, particularly animated films, that it is easy to forget they are capable of stinkers.

Not to worry. Here comes Max Keeble's Big Move to remind us.

A lame, self-conscious stab at comic adventure, it is far more likely to induce headaches than belly-laughs, even in easy-to-please youngsters.

The one plus in the movie is Alex D. Linz (One Fine Day), the energetic young star who plays the title character. As Max, he exudes confidence and charm. Alas, neither his story nor his co-stars match his efforts.

As a new arrival in junior high, Max has great expectations for an exciting social life. Instead, he finds himself targeted by a pair of full-time bullies and a slimy principal, played by Larry Miller, who seems permanently stuck in the same thankless role in every movie he makes these days.

The principal is stripping money from classrooms to build a football stadium that he hopes will win him a promotion to superintendent. He also plans to tear down the local animal shelter to make room for the stadium.

When Max learns his father's job will require a sudden move to Chicago, the young hero decides to save the animal shelter and take revenge on the principal, the bullies and an evil ice-cream vendor before he leaves. This mission requires vandalism, breaking-and-entering, assault and other slapstick crimes, not to mention the world's dullest food fight.

Then Max discovers he's not moving after all, and he has to put everything right.

Director Tim Hill shows no sign of having any idea what to do with the truly stupid script, credited to Jonathan Bernstein, Mark Blackwell and James Greer. Supporting cast members Nora Dunn, Robert Carradine and Clifton Davis don't help; neither do celebrity cameos by model Amber Valletta and skateboard star Tony Hawk.

It is impossible to imagine children in America who are so deprived of entertainment that they need to see this loser of a movie.