Here we go with yet another high-tech gadget film aimed at the pre-teen crowd. That in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing - I wish we'd get more movies like Spy Kids, which reminds viewers that a family film doesn't have to be dumb. But Catch That Kid is no Spy Kids. While it isn't a terrible movie, it lacks the interesting characters, fun story and clever writing that made Spy Kids so endearing. Still, it may please undemanding young viewers, and Fox has put out a pretty good DVD release for the film.

Maddy is an 8 th grader who enjoys climbing, much like her dad, who once scaled Mt. Everest. Her mom doesn't approve of Maddy's hobby, but she's so busy with work - she's in charge of setting up the high-tech security system at a huge bank building - that she's seldom home to do anything about it. When her dad is rendered paralyzed due to a climbing accident from years' past, experimental surgery is required for him to walk again. The problem is that the family's insurance won't cover it, and Maddy's mother's tyrannical boss won't loan them the $250,000 for the procedure. Desperate, Maddy hatches a plan to rob the very bank her mother works for. She enlists the help of her two best friends, Gus and Austin (both of whom have a crush on her), to help her pull off the job. I realize I'm not the film's target audience, but in my opinion, Catch That Kid short-changes the audience it is aimed for. The kids' talent in the lead roles at least equals those in Spy Kids, but their characters simply aren't very interesting. We've seen these kids in countless other recent teen flicks; they bicker with each other, using mild expletives so young adult audiences don't feel they're watching a kiddie flick; they look and dress cool; they each have their own skill which will obviously be important later on. While we're on the subject of obvious... it becomes very obvious a third of the way into the movie exactly how everything will turn out. There are no surprises whatsoever. We know Maddy will be forced to use her climbing skills without the aid of climbing gear, we know Austin will suddenly remember the command that subdues the guard dogs in the nick of time, we know the kids will be caught (after all, you can't let kids get away with stealing, no matter what the circumstances). Even my nine-year-old daughter was able to predict what happens next. Still, Catch That Kid is fairly well done. The heist comprises the second half of the film, and there are a couple of moments of genuine suspense. The go-kart chase at the film's climax, while totally ridiculous, is executed with a lot of energy. I also appreciated the lone fart gag; all kid movies these days has a fart gag, but at least the circumstances leading to this one don't reek (no pun intended) of simple-minded humor for the bathroom crowd - if you don't believe me, just ask any guy who's ever been kicked in the groin.

The film is presented in both its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 1.33:1 widescreen, and the transfer is quite good. There are some moments with noticeable grain (particularly the scene in which Maddy accesses the vault), as well some film scratches and artifacts, but all-in-all, it ain't bad. The audio track fares better, rendered in 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround. It sounds great, with good balance and no distortion. The pseudo-techno score comes through nice and clear, and there's great center speaker sound and balance.

With many family films aimed at young adults, you often get features the average teenager couldn't care less about. Not so with this one. The full-length audio commentary features the three lead teen actors (Kristen Stewart, Corbin Bleu, Max Thieriot), who are enjoyable to listen to; would-be thespians in any family will enjoy their comments. Also included are 8 deleted scenes; while I can see why they were deleted, those who like the film more than I did will appreciate them. Finally, the Oscar nominated animated short, "Gone Nutty," is included. Considering the movie's target audience, when it comes to the special features, Fox got this one right. The only thing missing that would rate this an A+ is an equally kid-friendly behind-the-scenes feature.

Useless Trivia: Catch That Kid is a remake of a 2002 Danish film, Klatretosen (aka Catch That Girl). Similar Movies: Spy Kids, Agent Cody Banks, 3 Ninjas, Klatretosen Summary: There are a lot of worse movies out there for kids, but there are also a lot of better (and smarter) ones. Catch That Kid has more heart than the abysmal Agent Cody Banks, but for this "James Bond Jr." subgenre, Spy Kids still remains the standard by which others are judged. Still, those who enjoy the film should be pleased with the transfer and special features of this disc from Fox.