Whats all the fuss about?

Rating: 7/10 (10 July 2000)

Here in the US they are marketing this movie as a kids movie. Burger King has all the cool toys etc. and I was expecting a comedy similar to Toy Story. The special computer effects are quite good and perhaps the best I've seen for this type of film. But there really is no way this is a kids movie. For example - there are sight gags left and right lifted right out of movies from my childhood such as Great Escape & Stalag 17 with a bit of Flight of the Phoenix thrown in for good measure. What pre-teen is going to GET these references? How many have even seen these classics? Sure - the adults get it, and perhaps thats why they are in the movie. But it goes right over the head of kids. And as for humor - sure, there are some funny bits. But I watched this with a packed house last Sunday and for the majority of the time no one was laughing. I'm really amazed to see that this movie has a score over 8.0 just now as I give it a 7. Worth seeing but don't get your expectations too high or you may get disappointed. And don't expect a laugh a minute from the kids (or yourself) as the humor takes a bit of time to sink in or to be understood in some cases.