Most actors do not start off their careers by appearing in lead roles in "A" movies. Usually they have to get whatever parts they can get, and that includes Tobey Maguire, who appeared in this Roger Corman production before he was famous. After watching this movie, I am sure that today he is very embarrassed by this early effort, especially when it was re-released on DVD with his name prominently plastered on the front of the DVD case.
What went wrong with this movie? Plenty! First of all, while this movie is marketed towards a family audience, it is NOT appropriate for children. The first clue should be its PG-13 rating ("For some violence", according to the MPAA) This movie has some scenes of violence that will freak some kids out, like the protagonist's father being electrocuted to death, people shot and sporting bloody wounds, and much more. But the movie also earns its rating with plenty of foul language, with characters using words such as "s**t" and "a**hole".
So the movie is not for kids. But it's also not for adults. There is not one likable character in the movie. Even the paramedics are shown to be nasty! Add terrible special effects, unconvincing acting, really stupid decisions by the characters, and no explanation as to how the protagonists lose their "wanted" status by the police at the end of the movie, and you have one terrible movie. It's not even so-bad-it's-good to watch.
What went wrong with this movie? Plenty! First of all, while this movie is marketed towards a family audience, it is NOT appropriate for children. The first clue should be its PG-13 rating ("For some violence", according to the MPAA) This movie has some scenes of violence that will freak some kids out, like the protagonist's father being electrocuted to death, people shot and sporting bloody wounds, and much more. But the movie also earns its rating with plenty of foul language, with characters using words such as "s**t" and "a**hole".
So the movie is not for kids. But it's also not for adults. There is not one likable character in the movie. Even the paramedics are shown to be nasty! Add terrible special effects, unconvincing acting, really stupid decisions by the characters, and no explanation as to how the protagonists lose their "wanted" status by the police at the end of the movie, and you have one terrible movie. It's not even so-bad-it's-good to watch.