Good Burger (1997)

Let me first say that I have never been one to put kids' films in the same boat with films for more mature viewers. My grades are much more lenient when applied to movies which intend their major audience to be aged 12 and under. But, even when compared to only those movies with the same audience in mind, Good Burger just doesn't cut the mustard.

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell are gifted young television actors - and Kel is also a master at physical comedy. But something went wrong in the translation from the living room to the cineplex. The major flaw may well be that they chose "Good Burger," an always lame recurring sketch on Nickelodeon's "All That" as their subject.

I don't demand that all live-action kids' films have a moral (Harriet the Spy) or that they be educational (Fly Away Home). But this film misses on so many levels - it's impossible to see past them! I was appalled at the disrespect that Dexter (Kenan) showed his teacher (Sinbad) in several scenes and I stared in disbelief at the mental institution scenes - look at the schizos! Aren't they crazy - eating cards and shuffling around with vacant looks??

Do yourself a favor. Rent "George of the Jungle." Check out "Babe" or "First Kid." Laugh at movies that understand what funny is.

D

The Secret of Roan Inish (1995)

I love this movie, but be warned. I have recommended it dozens of times and no one who has seen it at my urging has sought my movie advice again. Hmm. I would like to think that these are friends who don't appreciate fine film, but I must, in all fairness, entertain the thought that perhaps this is a movie that isn't for all tastes. Do you like poetry? Fantasy? Story-spinning? This movie is like a song. It can take you away, if you're willing to go. It effortlessly shows off the beauty and mystery of Ireland in a way that "The Matchmaker" (with Janeane Garofalo) wanted, but that film just made the landscape a lovely background to a silly, throw-away plot. That's not the case with "The Secret of Roan Inish." The story belongs in Ireland and makes you want to go and capture a bit of the magic it spins.

A-