Max Keeble's Big Move

Max Keeble (Alex D. Linz), a diminutive, idiosyncratic seventh-grader with a rubbery face and a hurricane hairdo, starts junior high off on the wrong foot: running afoul of two bullies and the conniving school principal on the first day of class. But here's the high concept kicker: when Max learns his family is moving, he realizes he has a golden opportunity to avenge himself and wreak some havoc without any consequences. Unfortunately, even when presented with a reasonably original idea for a kids' movie, Disney can generally find a way to bleed all the color out of it and give the resulting product that Mouse House assembly-line feel. Here, just when the plot thickens--as Max's parents decide not to move after all--the last act goes flat with pat, gimmick-driven resolutions and a yawner of a climax that virtually screams Lazy Disinterested Screenwriting. Adequate matinee fodder, and nothing more, this is an optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include a brief behind-the-scenes "Alex to the Max" featurette hosted by Linz; "The Ultimate Food Fight" DVD-ROM game; "Five On Film" commentary from director Tim Hill, producer Mike Karz, and stars Linz, Jamie Kennedy and Larry Miller; "Max's Halls of Knowledge & Stuff" trivia maze game; and twelve deleted scenes. Bottom line: a solid set of extras for a so-so film.] (R. Blackwelder)