
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, August 5, 1995                   TAG: 9508090009
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DON'T WASTE TIME ON 'BUSHWHACKED'

"Bushwhacked" is a formula kid's comedy that's lively enough to generate a few fitful laughs, but nothing more. With the exception of one bathroom-humor scene, it's TV fare with all the jokes coming from kids who make adults look childish.

Max Grabelski (Daniel Stern, who also co-produced) is a deliveryman who's framed for murder. After a senseless introduction, he's on the run from a bad-guy FBI agent (John Polito). The only way Max can clear himself is to meet another package deliveryman up on Devil's Peak. On the way there, he hijacks a Ranger Scout leader's (Brad Sullivan) Hum-Vee, and finds himself leading a group of young suburban scouts into the mountain wilderness for an overnighter.

The kids have never been camping before; Max is equipped for the outdoors with Italian loafers and two packs of cigarettes.

There are no surprises in the rest of the movie. Stern has made a profitable career playing the fall guy to kids in the "Home Alone" films, and he serves up more of the same here. His young co-stars are a thoroughly bland and forgettable bunch.

Director Greg Beeman also made "License to Drive" and "Mom and Dad Save the World." When it comes to mediocre comedy, he's three for three now.

Bushwhacked

A 20th Century Fox release playing at the Salem Valley 8 and Valley View 6. 86 min. Rated PG-13 for a little potty humor, rough language and comic violence.

by CNB