Adventures in Babysitting

This movie's appeal is inversely proportional to your affection for the original and your maturity, which bodes well for its success with the younger crowd but not so much for their parents. Casting familiar faces Carpenter and Carson in the lead roles gives the movie an edge with Disney fans who will want to tune in to see their combined effort in this comedy. The story is appropriately packed with chaos, humor, and unexpected twists and turns kids will love, even while it takes many pages out of the original Adventures in Babysitting story. Most notable among the likenesses are an impromptu stage performance (modern rap instead of blues, though), a few near misses with the parental units, and a young girl's starstruck encounter with her idols (a roller derby team steps in for Thor this time around). And, because it's Disney, it's a squeaky-clean offering designed with kids in mind.

On the other hand, if you come to this reimagining with strong ties to Elizabeth Shue's classic performance in the role, you'll be sorely disappointed. It turns out two aren't better than one when it comes to effective babysitting, and the teens' constant power struggle quickly wears on the nerves, especially with Lola's utter negligence that's spun as humor. It's a necessary evil, as that's what sets up the night's adventures, but it's not likely to strike parents in the same hilarious way it will kids.