No kidding...!

Sukanya Verma

"I am 40, I am unmarried, I don't fly a jet and I don't have a dog. I grow up to be a complete loser...!"

Disappointment reigns in every word uttered by eight-year-old Rusty Duritz (Spencer Breslin), when he comes face-to-face with the 40-year-old version of himself in Russ Duritz (Bruce Willis).

A paranoid, arrogant, brusque, smug perfectionist, is Russ. When he isn't shuttling between cities, he's busy inflicting his paranoia on his resilient secretary Janet (Lily Tomlin) and his lovely associate Amy (Emily Mortimer).

Reality bites when Russ bumps into little Rusty, the eight-year-old, roly-poly, wide-eyed and geeky version of himself. Needless to say, both aren't exactly over the moon with their past and future respectively.

But, gradually, an endearing bond develops between the two and both arrive at the same realisation: stop blowing things up.

This is the second Disney-Bruce Willis offering after Sixth Sense. He doesn't disappoint.

Perhaps somewhat stifled in the beginning, Willis loosens up considerably when Spencer Travlin makes his entry.

Spencer is everything he is supposed to be: lovable, huggable and adorable. However, attributing his physical charm for his success would be unfair to him. He is, by and large, the whole and soul of The Kid.

As is evident, the women don't have much to do here.

Director Jon Turteltaub (of Instinct, Phenomenon and While You Were Sleeping) exploits the emotional opportunities that Audrey Wells' script offers.

Wells (The Truth About Cats And Dogs) seems at home penning this one. Although one wonders how in the world Rusty managed to cross the time barrier -- there are no explanations forthcoming for his miraculous entry.

It raises a few laughs and sobs, but certainly, the Turteltaub-Wells team could have done better. The film might not strictly make for kiddies' viewing, what with the script requiring a lot of reading between the lines.

It's more in sync with growups, who might find this more credible viewing.

The background score by Marc Shaiman (Misery) doesn't quite match with the adventurous spirit of the film.

All in all, you it's a sea of emotions you encounter -- a la a true blue Disney film.

CREDITS:
Cast: Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer, Lily Tomlin, Jean Smart, Chi McBride, Dana Ivey, Stanley Anderson and Larry King
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Script: Audrey Wells
Music: Marc Shaiman

Official website
Bruce Willis
Spencer Breslin