Steal Big, Steal Little MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1 1/2

STEAL BIG, STEAL LITTLE is a fun movie. Twin brothers, Ruben Martinez and Robby Martin, both played by Andy Garcia, were adopted by Mona, a very free-spirited wealthy woman living on a 44,000 acre ranch near Santa Barbara, California. Although identical in looks, the brothers' personalities are completely opposite. Ruben is sensitive, caring and not the least bit interested in material things. Robby, however, concentrates on trying to gain control of Mona's estate. When Mona dies and leaves Ruben everything, Robby sets out to ruin his brother's life and to steal his inheritance even though Ruben offers him half of everything. While Ruben goes to Chicago to bring his estranged wife and daughter back to California with him, Robby plots against his twin. Backed by ruthless developers, a corrupt judge and law enforcement staff, he masterminds Ruben's financial ruin. However, with the aid of an ex-cop friend (Alan Arkin) and scores of friends Ruben has rescued from many disasters, a hilarious scheme is designed to expose the villains. Although this film is too long, the non-stop, sometimes confusing action is never dull.

STEAL BIG, STEAL LITTLE portrays good versus evil without gory killings and other violence. There are some gun threats, kicking, fighting, and attempted killings but none result in serious injury. Ruben and Robby personify the old-fashioned style hero and villain. Ruben is almost saintly as he performs his heroic, unselfish deeds, and Robby has no redeeming qualities until the goodness of his brother finally turns him around. Respect for family values, the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness dominate the story. Still, the offensive language is anything but old-fashioned. Crude and obscene expressions, plus four regular profanities, occur a number of times. However, neither sex nor nudity have a role in this film. A raunchy song ridiculing a corrupt judge, Ruben's male friends disguised as party girls to distract the bad guys, and some references to sex and male genitals are included, unfortunately. STEAL BIG, STEAL LITTLE has just enough of these questionable elements to give it a negative rating.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Savoy Pictures, 152 W. 57th St., 38th Flr., NY, NY 10019