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"ZOOM"
(2006) (Tim Allen, Courteney Cox) (PG)

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QUICK TAKE:
Comedy/Action: A former superhero begrudgingly agrees to help train a bunch of kids with super powers so that they can save the world.
PLOT:
Thirty-some years ago, a group of young superheroes -- known as Team Zenith -- was created by General Larraby (RIP TORN) and scientist Dr. Grant (CHEVY CHASE) in a place known as Area 52. By subjecting them to gamma-13 radiation, the adults enhanced the kids' innate powers, but also turned one -- known as Concussion -- into a villain. Accordingly, his younger brother, known as Captain Zoom, had to vanquish his sibling, but then lost him, his team, and his powers in the process. Now all of these years later, Captain Zoom, a.k.a. Jack Shepard (TIM ALLEN), is a washed-up superhero whose services are once again needed.

It seems that Concussion, a.k.a. Connor Shepard (KEVIN ZEGERS) really wasn't killed, but rather sent adrift in some sort of dimensional rift. According to Dr. Grant's readings, the villain is now on his way back, so Grant and Larraby decide to create a new Team Zenith. Nerdy and bumbling psychologist Marsha Holloway (COURTENEY COX) will help pick out the kids, but they need the sort of expertise that only Jack can provide. Unfortunately, he's not interested, but an ultimatum of prison or $500,000 provides all of the motivation he needs.

Accordingly, he and Marsha choose the following kids for the program. There's Tucker Williams (SPENCER BRESLIN), a 12-year-old boy who can instantly make his body or any part of it as big as needed, while 6-year-old girlie-girl Cindy Collins (RYAN NEWMAN) possesses superhuman strength. Then there's 16-year-old telekinetic empath Summer Jones (KATE MARA), and Dylan West (MICHAEL CASSIDY), a sullen 17-year-old who can turn invisible and isn't any happier than Jack to be there.

With the days counting down to Concussion's arrival, Dr. Grant, Larraby and especially Marsha hope that Jack can overcome his sarcasm and then teach the kids what they'll need to know when they encounter the powerful villain.

OUR TAKE: 2 out of 10
Ugh…this is a lame, boring and flat retread of material already covered in the better "Sky High" and "X-Men" films as well as the brilliant "The Incredibles." Featuring mediocre to bad acting, too much reliance on montages as filler, haphazard direction, an awful script and decidedly less than state of the art special effects, it's no wonder this film wasn't screened for critics before it opened. More to come, but you probably get the gist of how we feel about the film.



Reviewed August 11, 2006 / Posted August 11, 2006


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