How to Eat Fried Worms (PG, 2006)

Based on Thomas Rockwell's popular 1973 book, this movie revolves around 11-year-old Billy (Luke Benward), who ticks off the school bully, Joe (Adam Hicks) on his first day at a new school. When Billy opens his thermos to reveal a mess o' worms, Joe asks him if he eats worms a lot. "Yeah, I eat 'em all the time," says Billy. "Ya wanna try one?" Billy tosses one of the slimy creatures to the bully, but it lands smack on his face. Thus begins a challenge in which Billy must eat ten worms in a day, without throwing up. Whoever loses has to put worms down their pants and walk through school in front of everyone. The recipes get creative, with various preparation methods and names like Barfmallow and Radioactive Slime Delight. Meanwhile, Billy's dad (Thomas Cavanagh) struggles with his new job; his mom (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) is busy looking after his younger brother (Ty Panitz); and adorably gawky Erika (Hallie Kate Eisenberg) understands Billy because she towers above her classmates.

Despite the gross premise, this movie can teach kids a lot about how to deal with bullies and stand up for yourself. Also, the sweetness of the story and the friendships Billy develops are at the heart of this movie. And the kids seem like "real" kids! Not the Hollywood version we usually get in movies.

As with other books-to-movies produced by Walden Media –- Hoot, Holes, and The Chronicles of Narnia, to name a few –- this movie is well made, even if it strays a bit from the book's details.