The Cover

Maddy (Panic Room's Kristen Stewart), Gus and Austin are just three regular kids, but they have specialties that will end up helping them throughout the movie (just like all those other heist flicks). Maddy likes to climb, buildings, rocks and whatever else she can climb to get away from her life. Gus is the mechanic type; an expert with go-carts and lusting after Maddy. Austin is more of the artistic type, who always has a camera in his hand and wants direct movies and write scripts. And he also has something of a crush on Maddy as well.

So why are these kids trying to pull off a heist that even adults would never consider? Because Maddy's dad is dying and needs expensive surgery, to the tune of $250,000 dollars. I don't remember if they even say why surgery would cost that much (unless he wanted to turn into Michael Jackson) nor do I remember why the family doesn't have insurance, as Maddy's mother (Jennifer Beals) has a pretty good job, creating safes and security systems. If there's any question, this is the same system that the little brats want to break into.

Catch That Kid is a trifle of a kid's film, but it isn't a bad one. Pretty much the same kind of thing that you'd get with Spy Kids. No, it's not as stylish or funny, but I was able to sit through it without vomiting. And that's unlike many other kid's flicks.

Kristen Stewart proves to be a likable lead, drawing on that same detached, wounded nature that she sported in Panic Room. At least her hair is longer here. The rest of the cast is fine, and it's always nice seeing Jennifer Beals, although seeing her as a stressed mother figure is not what I had in mind. I'd much rather see the leg warmers and flash-dancing.

Luckily, the movie is fast paced, so even if your tolerance for children who drive go-carts and act precious is at a minimum threshold, you won't have to suffer through it for too long. Think of it as The Italian Job: Light.

Movie Grade: B-

Video: 3 out of 5
It's a bit grainy and has some greenish discoloration, but it's good enough for the kids.
Widescreen Anamorphic - 1.85:1

Miniature safe-crackers.

Audio: 3 out of 5
For a kid's action movie, the surrounds don't get nearly enough workout. In fact, it's used so little that it's almost non-existent. Otherwise, finely tuned dialogue and front channel effects.
English (Dolby 5.1)

Extras: 3 out of 5
Frankly, the most noteworthy extra is the 'Scrat' short, nominated for an Academy Award, that is also included on the disc. The rest is the usual small movie fare, with some lackluster deleted scenes and a commentary with the three child leads. Like all documentaries featuring kids, it's a little much to listen to, and probably only suitable for the younger set.

Overall: 3 out of 5
Catch That Kid isn't a terrible movie, but it admittedly appeals to a very particular audience - those of the future child-criminal set. Wholesome and enjoyable.

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