Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer (2011): Dir: John Schultz / Cast: Jordana Beatty, Heather Graham, Parris Mosteller, Jaleel White, Janet Varney: About as amateur as a family kiddie film can get. It regards appreciating the little things in life, that hopefully doesn't involve attending this film. Jordana Beatty plays Judy Moody whose summer was scheduled to be full of dares until her friends all travel elsewhere for the summer leaving her with her Bigfoot obsessed younger brother, Stink. Once her parents answer a call to go aid another family member, the kids are left with their Aunt Opal. Directed by John Schultz whose films seem to be made out of a weekly allowance. He previously made such junk as Drive Me Crazy and the idiotic Aliens in the Attic. Schultz may have the best intentions but the special effects here are about third grade level. Beatty holds her own as Moody whose enthusiasm for adventure is only temporarily sidetracked by disappointments. She upholds the theme of the film. Heather Graham as Aunt Opal is fetching and sunny but her dealings with the children are questionable especially when one handles what is claimed to be sh*t (and apparently was) at the table. Parris Mosteller plays Stink who is involved with a lot of morons out seeking Bigfoot. And who names their kid Stink anyway? Janet Varney plays his mother, so perhaps some of the blame can be direct towards her. Jaleel White plays teacher Mr. Todd whom the kids hunt for all summer. Had he been smart he would have skipped the film set and avoided another bummer film choice. Score: 3 ½ / 10
