The Real Howard Spitz

Just who is Howard Spitz? Played by Kelsey Grammer (Frasier), he's a lonely detective-turned-writer in search of a money-making plan. When he finds out there's a lucrative market in children's books, he invents Crafty Cow, a domestic animal that gives milk by day, and becomes a private eye by night. Problem is, Howard gets the willies when he's around kids. But he has to test out his first draft, so he heads to the library to ask an outspoken third-grade girl named Sam (newcomer Genevieve Tessier) for a quick critique. Soon, Crafty Cow becomes an overnight success, Sam is calling her newfound friend Uncle Howard, and Howard is jumping over the moon for Sam's single mom. As Sam says of Howard's debut child book, "It's corny, but it'll sell." The same could be said of this touching, humorous, and reasonably enjoyable film for kids. A strong optional purchase. (M. K. Lau)