OREM — No illusions here.
As soon as the first "squishy dumpling" joke is made, it's painfully obvious that this movie is going to focus on Sasquatch droppings. And for those not fond of bathroom humor, it's a little disheartening.
However, fans of such humor and of Napoleon Dynamite and cartoon images will find quite a bit to enjoy.
Most of the characters talk and act in true low-key "duh" Dynamite fashion and there, are previews of most of the scenes in comic book style that lend some color and visual variety.
The story is interesting and told with a number of flashbacks.
It's also a somewhat novel premise. (Can you hear a "but" or two coming?)
But ... it's uneven. Some scenes are fairly captivating. Others are really not.
There are a number of places where the acting is pretty stiff and the dialogue is pretty thin.
It's also hard to believe that a dumb kid can rob a video store with little consequence, and that a world renowned scientist would drop everything and come to investigate a scene that's only lightly guarded. It's hard to believe a self-respecting dentist would wire a girl's mouth shut so she could lose weight. And can a $5 video rental charge add up to over a $1,400 debt?
But, hey, we're talking movies.
The action flows along well enough that there's no boredom even though several scenes seem to be added just because they make good photo ops.
The bullies are cardboard. The language centers on the dumpling premise.
But it's a gentle enough ride through a lame kid's journey to love and light.
The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang
Directed and written by: Tim Skousen
Rating: Probably PG
Starring: Jeremy Sumpter, Justin Long, Carl Weathers, Addie Land
Length: 84 minutes
E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com