Despite these instances, the film is targeted for children and generally good. Thus the movie is clearly PG for parental guidance. One child calls someone a “lard butt,” there is joke about passing gas, a disgusting burp, and most disgusting is a scene where a kid blows nasal phlegm (of massive proportions) over several characters. Morally the film is aimed at younger audiences although the lurking appearance of toilet humor rears its nasty head on a few occasions. They fight to stop the evil brother of Zoom, and reverse the effects which turned him from goodness. Eventually, he and the children become not a team, but a family. He seems apathetic and uncaring as he is still distraught, mistrustful, and angry over the government abuses that destroyed the last superhero team. In the film several children are recruited for a top secret organization but the retired Zoom does not seem eager to teach the children. Nevertheless, the children in the audience appeared to have fun, and a few broke out into applause at the end of the film. I found it entertaining, but not particularly worth the cost of movie prices today. On a theatrical level, the movie is a step down from “Sky High”, although (judging from the audience reaction during and after the movie) “Zoom” may be a film that appeals more to the younger crowd. Chevy Chase returns to movies as an unlikable technician and Rip Torn appears in a role which looks like a clone of his role in “Men in Black”. How then does it stack up to “Sky High”?Īlthough “Sky High”’s cast was great, “Zoom” boasts Tim Allen whose knack for comedy is well known. Moreover, “Zoom” is based on a comic strip so it is technically no more of a rip-off than Superman is of Captain Marvel (or was Captain Marvel a rip-off of Superman?). In fact, some rip-offs are better than the originals. Having said that, the fact that this is a blatant rip-off does not mean that it is bad. Of course, if there is anything that Hollywood is good at, it is remakes, rip-offs, and sequels. “A former superhero is called back to work to transform an unlikely group of ragtag kids into new heroes at a private academy.” If this sounds familiar, it is probably because last years’ “Sky High” had virtually the exact same plot.

Review updated by writer: August 24, 2006

Zoom 2006