ARE WE DONE YET?

by Jane Louise Boursaw

MPAA Rating: PG for some innuendoes and brief language.
Suggested Ages: 9+
Released in Theaters: April 6, 2007
Reel Rating: 2.5 out of 4 Reels.

Should you bring the kids? Yes, but don't expect anything heavy. This movie is goofy fun with lots of slapstick comedy. For more info, see "Bringing the Kids" below.

THE STORY: The 2005 movie, Are We There Yet?, told the story of Nick Persons (Ice Cube), a confirmed bachelor who embarked on a wild road trip with two bratty kids so they could spend the holidays with their mother, Suzanne (Nia Long). She was going through a divorce at the time, and their lives were in turmoil.

This sequel -- based on the 1948 classic, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House -- picks up several months later with Nick and Suzanne happily married. When Suzanne announces she's pregnant – with twins, no less -- the couple realizes that Nick's rented condo is way too small for their growing family.

So they decide to move to the country to give their family more space and fresh air. Suzanne's kids, 13-year-old Lindsey (Aleisha Allen) and 8-year-old Kevin (Philip Daniel Bolden) are none too happy about it. 

Instead of an idyllic life in the suburbs, they find a money-pit of a house and a herd of forest creatures determined to make their lives miserable. Nick thinks he can fix the place up with no problem. He's wrong, of course, and the whole situation puts their family harmony to the test in a big way. It wasn't great to begin with, since the kids are still getting used to the idea of having a dad around.

John C. McGinley (Dr. Perry Cox on Scrubs) plays Chuck Mitchell, Jr., an eccentric jack-of-all-trades. Chuck is the Persons' neighbor, realtor, contractor, and inspector. He also offers emotional support for whatever the family is going through – including the birth of the babies. He's basically everything that Nick's not. Which frustrates the heck out of Nick.

This movie plays better if you realize that it's a remake of the aforementioned Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. Of course, that movie was much better. Ice Cube is no Cary Grant, and I'm sure he realizes that. But both movies pit the main character against the world – and various contractors – resulting in lots of physical comedy, mixed in with a few laughs and warm, fuzzy moments.

Are We Done Yet? was directed by Steve Carr, who began his career producing album art and directing music videos. His first feature film was Next Friday, followed by Dr. Dolittle 2 and Daddy Day Care.

BRINGING THE KIDS:

PRESCHOOLERS (ages 2-5): Too many innuendoes and adult-centric comedy for preschoolers. Better "building" stories for little ones can be found in the Bob the Builder series. The most recent, Bob's Top Team, tells how Bob's Can-Do Crew works together to build several new projects at the same time. Available on DVD March 27, 2007.

GRADE-SCHOOLERS (ages 6 - 10): With lots of wacky (and life-threatening) stunts, definitely give your kids a "don't try this at home" speech before you see this movie. The kids in this movie aren't exactly role models either. Call me crazy, but it's just not that funny when people stand by and laugh as someone nearly drowns, gets electrocuted, and falls through a roof. Still, grade-schoolers love that stuff, and you'll probably be laughing about some of McGinley's scenes long after the movie is over. There are also a few unexpected laughs involving the forest and lake creatures.

PG content includes Lindsay sneaking out of the house to attend a party with an older boy. Also, Nick and Suzanne hug and kiss in bed after she comments about "breaking in the house". Language is mild, including "sucka," "weird," and one "I hate you" from Lindsey.

TWEEN / TEEN (ages 11+): This movie will strike a chord with blended families trying to figure out how to live together. Single guy Nick is suddenly a dad to two step-kids, as well as twin babies of his own. Suzanne is learning how to be a stay-at-home mom. Kevin is growing up and looking for a role model. And Lindsey is a teenager leaving her friends behind, just as she's starting to think about boys. Somehow, these flawed folks find a way to make it all work. This movie is fine for tweens and teens, and much better than Are We There Yet?

SCORE: 2.5 out of 4 Reels.

JANE'S REEL RATING SYSTEM:

One Reel – Pathetic. Even the Force can't save it.
Two Reels – Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.
Three Reels – Thought-provoking. Something to talk about.
Four Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

Read my other reviews HERE.