'Hoot': Not much to holler about

There is a difference between a family film and mere kid's stuff and, unfortunately, Carl Hiaasen and Jimmy Buffett's Hoot falls into the latter category.

New Line Cinema 'Hoot' C The verdict: A well-meaning, environmentally conscious Hiaasen yarn, aimed at youngsters. Director: Wil Shriner Starring: Luke Wilson, Logan Lerman, Brie Larson, Tim Blake Nelson, Cody Linley, Jimmy Buffett, Kiersten Warren, Neil Flynn Run time: 98 minutes Release date: May 5, 2006 Rating: PG for mild bullying and brief language. See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate 'Hoot'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

Based on Hiaasen's Newberry Award-winning novel about a trio of Florida teens trying to make their community more environmentally conscious and help save the endangered burrowing owl, the movie has plenty of positive messages but feels like a good-intentions television Afternoon Special.

Roy Eberhardt (Logan Lerman) resents being uprooted by his family and moving from Montana to a sleepy, little Florida town. Bullied on his first day at his new school, he feels like an outcast until he finds a cause — helping a mysterious barefoot boy and his sister in their efforts to block the construction of an evil pancake house (Yikes!) that jeopardizes cute little owls.

The young actors are capable but bland, while Luke Wilson adds much-needed humor as a slow-witted local cop whom they easily outsmart.

Producer Buffett doubles as a kindly, if wooden, science teacher and also contributes a few gentle songs to the soundtrack. Wil Shriner directs, capturing some attractive footage of Sunshine State terrain, but never justifying the movie's existence on the big screen.

Hoot is harmless enough and may actually instill in youngsters a concern for the ecology. Still, there is virtually no second level to attract adults or keep their minds from wandering.