Super Capers MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 Content: +3

Justin Whalin, Samuel Lloyd, Danielle Harris. Action/comedy geared towards very young viewers. Written & directed by Ray Griggs.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Would-be superhero, Ed Gruberman, who possesses no super powers, must join a team of misfit heroes-in-training known as The Super Capers. Having only faith, Gruberman must travel through time to uncover an evil plot involving some gold bullion, a fiery femme fatale, and a criminal mastermind with a dark secret about Ed's past.

PREVIEW REVIEW: I’m not sure if the filmmaker intended this production for the family or for just the youngest members of the family. Adults may find the cheesy effects and even cheesier costumes nearly as unsatisfying as the lame comic situations, the miniscule plot and the amateurish performances. What humor there is seems derivative of other, finer family-geared movies. But like TV’s Barney the Dinosaur and Dora the Explorer, children are entertained and taught differently than us oldsters. Whether the filmmaker’s intent or not, this production seems designed for those in tune with that purple dinosaur. Perhaps they identify with the inept lead character who relies on a bigger power to save the day.

Ray Griggs, who also wrote Lucifer, an account of the fall of Satan, tries to incorporate spiritual matters, focusing on the need for faith. But the lesson here is rather obscure as if Mr. Griggs is trying his best not to make a “church” film. His main character is astonished by prayer and on several occasions thanks God for guidance and rescue. But I wouldn’t call the film profound theology.

Fairly gentle in its presentation, I suspect the couple of kisses and some of the action stunts and a couple of inappropriate gay jokes are responsible for the PG rating.

DVD Alternative: The Incredibles. (For older children and adults)This hilarious, action-packed, animated adventure has a put-upon superhero family now denying their superpowers and living under a government protection plan. Taking on grown-up themes such as the suspicion of infidelity and a barrage of violent do-or-die histrionics, Pixar Animation Studios and filmmaker Brad Bird (The Iron Giant) incorporate cartoonish slapstick with thoughtful PG-rated wit.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Roadside Attractions