From tots on up, kids who enjoy the TV adventures of Doug Funnie, the Charlie Brownish hero, and his middle-school friends, should be pleased with the film. Adults may cringe at the artless animation and groan at the jokes, but they can appreciate the basic sweetness. He and Doug's dog even play a Bach duet on the piano. But when Herman first lurks in the shadows of Doug's house, tots may get scared. Doug and his pal Skeeter discover Herman in Lucky Duck Lake, expose the pollution of said lake, help organize a Valentine's Day dance and, in Doug's case, pursue the lovely Patti Mayonnaise.
Middle school seems almost bearable.
Savvy high-schoolers should find it fascinating both as social commentary and comic soap opera. The PG-13 rating, however, is too mild. The often mature sexual content includes a visual masturbation joke. The strong language is also inappropriate for younger teens, and some characters smoke and drink. Director Ron Howard takes an intelligent, if mainstream, stab at the fame frenzy, how it's so often pointless, undeserved, yet coveted.