Film Reviews

Grounded

• Rating:
• Director: Paul Feig
• Starring: Dyllan Christopher
• Details: US / 90mins (PG).

"Are you out of your juice-drinkin' little minds?" This line is typical of the 'jokes' in Grounded and if you think you or your kids may find that funny, Grounded could be a laugh riot. When five unaccompanied minors get trapped at the airport after their flights home are cancelled, they raise hell, hiding in various nooks and crannies from the disgruntled security. Along the way they learn something about themselves, life and growing up - but not before boring everyone else to tears. Not the most original plotline ever written, the producers hoped that parents would read the synopsis and think that this is another Home Alone, but Grounded doesn't have half the heart, soul or gags of that Christmas classic. The PG rating will vex the parents dragged along, as there is nothing whatsoever redeeming about the film from an adult's point of view. Kids movies these days appeal to both adults and kids alike, but Grounded doesn't - and it's really hard to see what's in it for the kids too. There's even a scene where the characters slide down a hillside in a canoe - but even that's a bit lame, which begs the question - how can you make something fun like that seem ordinary? You'd expect a little more from Arrested Development director Paul Feig. Working on a show as witty, fresh and original as that, some of his creativity should have seeped into this. But no, Feig turned off his brain, phoned in his direction, and collected a fat pay cheque.

Review by Gavin Burke