Mouse Hunt MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1/2

Upon the death of their father, brothers Ernie (Nathan Lane) and Lars (Lee Evans) Smuntz are surprised to learn that their inheritance is a crumbling, old mansion that both assume is worthless. But they couldn't be more wrong. In fact, the dilapidated homestead is an architectural masterpiece worth millions. But just as the hapless Smuntzes are all set to cash in, they discover there's one very small problem keeping them from life on Easy Street: the house is occupied by a tenacious mouse, who has no intention of vacating the premises. The two men try everything to get rid of the mouse, from ferocious felines to deranged exterminators. But the only thing Ernie and Lars catch is themselves. It's a battle of wills between the men and the wily little rodent that may just bring down the house. Adults and older kids will recognize the well-worn formula worn out by the "Home Alone" movies: two grown men -- one fat and grumpy, the other thin and dim-witted, invade the home of a helpless creature -- in this case, a mouse. Despite its abundant use of clichs, MOUSE HUNT will draw strong crowds for its laugh-out-loud humor and strong special effects.

The movie sends a positive message about family unity. In their battle against a common enemy, the brothers learn to work together and enjoy each other. While the movie remains free from excessively objectionable material, parents will want to be aware of certain questionable elements. Four crude words occur in the dialogue including b*st*rd twice and SOB once. The film features constant slapstick which often resembles the violence found in the "Home Alone" movies. Near nudity occurs as a man is humorously stripped of his clothing by factory equipment. He runs covering his genitals with what's left of his clothes. The same man makes a reference to making love to his wife, and several incidents of crude humor occur such as a man thrusting his hand down a woman's dress to catch the mouse. Like many PG movies today, this one contains some objectionable elements.

Preview Reviewer: Jason Shepherd
Distributor: Dreamworks SKG,100 Universal Plaza, Building 477 Universal City, CA 91608