The Movie Guys: ‘Stuart Little’ carries a big message

Friday, Dec. 17, 1999 | 9:54 a.m.

The Movie Guys, starring Jeff Howard and Dave Neil, appears Fridays in the Sun (Movie Buzz written by Thomas Feeney). They can also be seen on the 11 a.m. Friday newscast on KVVU Channel 5. Plus, check them out online at lasvegassun.com/ sun/ sunlife/ movies and themovieguys.com.

Grades: Jeff: B Dave: B-.

Starring: Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki and voices provided by Michael J. Fox, Nathan Lane, Jennifer Tilly, Bruno Kirby.

Screenplay: M. Night Shyamalan and Greg Brooker.

Rated: PG for mild violence.

Running time: 80 minutes.

Playing at: UA Showcase 8, UA Rainbow Promenade 10, UA Green Valley, UA Rainbow Promenade 10, Regal Cinemas Sunset Station, Regal Village Square 18, Regal Cinemas Colonnade 14, Regal Cinemas Texas Station 18, Century Orleans, Century Desert 16, Century Cinedome 12 Henderson.

Synopsis:

He's clever, enthusiastic, a "can-do guy" with attitude -- and he's a mouse. Combining live-action with groundbreaking visual effects, technology by the artists, and innovators at Sony Pictures Imageworks, it's the story of a mouse raised by the Littles, a human family who learns to dream big and live large when they think little -- Stuart Little. As Stuart embarks on adventures with a variety of characters, including his nemesis, Snowbell the cat, Stuart learns the true meaning of family, loyalty and friendship.

Jeff: Who could ever forget reading "Stuart Little" for the first time in grade school? It was one of those books that sparked the imagination and made reading a joy. I must have read it ten times. If you had never read "Stuart Little" when you were a child, then you missed a golden opportunity (blame your teacher) and you have my deepest sympathies.

But, you're in luck, because director Rob Minkoff has taken a literary classic and has created the family occasion of the holiday season. "Stuart Little" is so adorable and magical, that using any other words to describe it, would be half-truths. What makes this little pink rodent who drives around in his own customized red roadster so appealing? For one, the voice of Michael J. Fox, who gives Stuart his childlike innocence and weaves a spunky spirit into this orphaned mouse who comes to live with a human family.

Dave: Well, Jeff, unfortunately I was one of those kids who missed a "golden opportunity" (and I do blame my teacher) since I never read E.B. White's popular children's story. However, my imagination can now rest at ease with this live-action/computer animated adaptation that brings the ounce-sized mouse Stuart to life. The film begins with Mr. and Mrs. Little (Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis) who are looking to adopt a boy so their only son George (played by Jonathan Lipnicki, best known as the bespectacled youngster in "Jerry Maguire") can have a "little" brother. While attempting to make the impossible decision of which child they would welcome into their family, they are warmly greeted by the orphanage's lone mouse. Won over by his charming personality and childlike vitality, they agree to make Stuart a Little. However, not everyone in the family embraces him with open arms.

Jeff: There is one thing I can't figure out, Dave. Stuart's new parents treat him like one of the family. They clothe him, feed him, give him his own room and even a brother, but never once acknowledge that he is not human! Even Mrs. Keeper at the orphanage encourages the Littles to not adopt outside their own species.

So the mice can talk to humans, but the other animals in the movie, (assorted cats and dogs) cannot? A puzzlement. Although the other animals speak to Stuart, which is a good thing too, because actor Nathan Lane (who voices the jealous house cat Snowbell) steals the show. His quick timing and razor-sharp wit is in fine form with such lines as, "They go for a son and come back with a mouse. I need a drink." It's this kind of dialogue that gives adults a hardy chuckle during the film, as while the kids gaze in wonder as Stuart brushes his teeth, combs his hair or plays his comb like a guitar (as did Fox in "Back to the Future.") In fact, the animals are more interesting than the human characters, who are nothing more than plot weigh stations for Stuart as he launches into one jam after another. Great family fun.

Dave: The film offers nothing more than cutesy shots of our mousey hero and a worthy message that instills family loyalty and the value of friendship. Aside from that, I could take "Stuart Little" or leave him. Are the computer special effects spectacular? Yes, with the help of visual effects wizard John Dykstra (Oscar-winner for technical achievement on "Star Wars"), Stuart becomes a three-dimensional character who flawlessly interacts with his human co-stars. Now is it anything we haven't seen before? Certainly not. In addition, parents should note the film's rating received a PG for its violent content: Stuart is almost eaten whole by Snowbell, Stuart nearly drowns in a washing machine during laundry, Snowbell puts out a contract on Stuart's life (which does allow Chazz Palminteri to humorously stretch out his claws as the leader of a group of bumbling vicious alley cats).

The film's story is pretty much by the numbers (scripted by Greg Brooker and "The Sixth Sense" writer/director M. Night Shyamalan) and veteran animator Minkoff (co-director of "The Lion King") makes a significant debut into live action. Overall, I must say, "Stuart Little" does more entertaining good than cinematic harm. By all means, bring the entire family.

Name That Flick

In the film, "A Christmas Story," what was the secret message Ralphie deciphered in the bathroom with his secret "Little Orphan Annie" decoder? Well, Leslee Blied was the first to e-mail the correct answer, "Don't forget to drink your Ovaltine." Way to go Leslee. Now get out of the bathroom! Ralphie really has to go!

For this week, what was the name of the bartender that threw George Baily and his guardian angel, Clarence, out into the snowy street in "It's a Wonderful Life?" If you think you know, call The Movie Guys Hotline at 225-9026 or log onto our website at www.themovieguys.com to leave your answer and your name. See you next week!