Little Giants MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1

LITTLE GIANTS tells about the comical battle between two very different Pee Wee football teams in Urbania, Ohio. The first is coached by Kevin O'Shea (Ed O'Neill), an egotistical All-American football player who now owns the local Chevrolet dealership. The other is, well, sort of coached by his meek, unathletic brother, Danny O'Shea (Rick Moranis). Actually, Danny has no interest in football, but his daughter Becky persuades him to organize a team when she and other hopefuls are not selected for Kevin's awesome team. Danny manages to put together a rag-tag team of various clumsy, inept young boys, plus his athletic daughter and a sharp young quarterback. Hilarity reigns as Danny trains his motley crew for the upcoming city Pee Wee football championship. And, of course, there are lots of laughs and surprises in the climactic championship game. Though its storyline is familiar and predictable, Little Giants will appeal to children under 10 years old.

Unfortunately, two over-worked comedy devices, passing gas and the injury of male genitals, are used several times. Coach Kevin suffers when injured by a tree limb, and a young boy is accidentally kicked in the groin while holding the ball for a kick-off. Also, a snack-eating fat boy passes gas frequently. It's also disappointing that four obscenities and an abundance of crudities are heard, some spoken by the children themselves. Not surprising, "kick butt" is a favorite expression of the young players. This is particularly disturbing since many children under six attended the film's advance screening. It was encouraging, though, that some of the adult characters show genuine concern for the children. Even over-bearing Coach Kevin has a loving family who prays at meal time. He also has some very kind words for his niece, Becky, when she becomes discouraged and downhearted. Danny has always been jealous of Kevin's popularity and their football rivalry further strains their relationship. Ultimately, though, they and their families become closer because of the experience. So, LITTLE GIANTS has its heartwarming and redeeming features, but also an overdose of crude elements, particularly considering the young audience it will attract.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Warner Brothers, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522