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Overall Rating : 5/10
Directed By : Peter Hewitt
Tim Allen (Christmas with the Kranks)
Chevy Chase (National Lampoon's Vacation)
Kate Mara (Urban Legend : Bloody Mary)
Ryan Newman (Monster House)
Supplied By : Sony Pictures
Film Reviewed By : Rick L. Blalock
Date Reviewed : Jan. 24, 2007
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| PLOT Jack Shepard a.k.a. "Zoom" is an out-of-shape auto shop owner, far removed from the man who once protected the world's freedom. Reluctantly called back into action by the government, Jack is charged with turning a rag tag group of kids with special powers into a new generation of superheroes to save the world from certain destruction. |
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| THE REVIEW In ZOOM : ACADEMY FOR SUPERHEROES Jack Sheppard a long lost legendary Superhero is called back to action after nearly 30 years, when the world is once again threatened by "Concussion" a Super-villain who happens to also be Jack's bother. "ZOOM as he was once called comes back to the old headquarters headed by Dr. Grant for an assignment he knows nothing about, but he would soon find out. They have brought him back for an unsuspecting task; to train a group of kids gifted with super powers. At first the washed up Jack is very reluctant to train the youngsters, as he himself has lost his given powers and after losing his partners in battle long ago(and also lost his brother due to he switching sides) he has also lost his desire. In family film tradition Zoom finally sees the light and forms a bond with his new found members, and together they are The Zenith Force, and in the end they along with the evil Concussion/Connor Sheppard they learn that family is more important than, well....world destruction. Well, ok... I know what you're saying, "Does ZOOM really fit in here at TerrorHook.com"? Well my answer to that question is yes. We initially(meaning Brian and I) started "The Hook" as a site that was to showcase strictly Horror films, but just recently with the lack of things happening in the genre, and being bored of what is happening)and, since I am the sole occupant of the site decided to expand the site... mainly as a means to keep it fun for me. I consider this a Sci-Fi comedy and the fact that the Horror award shows welcomed a Superhero category - so shall I, because I am a fan.... With that said, on to the movie. ZOOM, from what I have read is nominated for a number of Razzie awards(awards for the worst of the worst) and I believe one of them is "Worst Picture Of The Year" - not to mention that it is in the bottom 100 on IMDb.com. Is it me, or has the movie going world suddenly gotten WAY too harsh as of late? I mean come on, from the get go....you know this movie was made targeting a younger audience.... you certainly are not going to see this movie as an Oscar contender, it was made for kid's not the older demographic..... give it a break, it's family fun, and was not intended to be otherwise! When it comes to ZOOM for me, I actually liked it, for what it is...a few laughs and cute...yes cute fun. Sure the special effects were somewhat cheesy, but again, for the target audience, I think the visuals would be quick to catch a young child's eye. For us that are a little older we have the comedy of a few veterans most namely Tim Allen and Chevy Chase. Chase, isn't utilized nearly as much as I would've liked, but is the usual common-man comedic style of Tim Allen that makes this movie a fun...and with this one that is all that's needed. But perhaps the thing people find to complain about comes from the plot, there is a back story for Zoom and his previous missions, but I felt there should've been a little more, after all...he is supposed to be this legendary figure of some sort, but we never get the sense that he is nothing more than a regular joe, whom is out of shape. Also a probably lies in that most the film watches the trainees as they go through training exercises, yet we really don't get any indication that they are learning anything - yet when it comes down to the final battle they are all the sudden well familiar with their powers, I guess the filmmakers just wanted to get to the fun part..... and as many have agreed it does get better once it does get there. The young heroes in this film is quite diverse, we have Michael Cassidy from THE OC whom plays a character whom would be much suited on that very show - the edgy surfer type. And opposite him we have Kate Mara, whom plays a quiet girl whom has the ability to movie and sense things via her mind. Kate Mara is a terrific actress, whom has starred in such films like BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN and URBAN LEGEND : BLOODY MARY - although her role was significant in BLOODY MARY, she has yet to have a role in which her full potential can be displayed.. and here although she is featured I still feel that way - but I feel it's only a matter of time before that happens. Next is Spencer Breslin, older brother of Oscar Nominee Abigail, I must say he did well here as he had to wear a fatsuit the entire film - which had to be uncomfortable. The youngest member of the crew and the one that impressed me probably the most is Ryan Newman. Ryan has to be one of the most adorable kids I have ever seen....before this I had only heard her voice-over in the animated film MONSTER HOUSE, but here I got to see her in action. She plays young Cindy who prefers to be called "Princess". she happens to have the power of Superhuman strength. At only 8 years old, Ryan is very impressive and has more wit and ability than a lot of people much older....she delivered her lines, and will doing so, maintained to be very believable - she is one youngster to keep an eye on! Overall, this film is not really about plot at all, but more about imagination and visuals, and if it doesn't entertain the adults I am sure it will more than likely entertain the kids | ||||
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| GORE
METER N/A |
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| MUSICAL
SCORE 4.5/10 We have the traditional "Superhero" score - but most of the soundtrack found here is comprised of tracks from Pop-Rock band Smashmouth - never been a big fan, but it's decent. |
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| OVERALL
IMPRESSION OF THE FILM Even though this film has a seemingly bad rep, I found it enjoyable from an entertainment standpoint alone. More geared towards a younger audience, I feel that kids will find something in ZOOM, as Superheroes seem to fascinate a young imagination. I'd say this film is on the same level as a film like SKY HIGH, as the ideas are quite similar, if you enjoyed that film, I think you would more than likely enjoy ZOOM : ACADEMY FOR SUPERHEROES. This DVD will be available February 13, 2007 |
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