MisAdventures in 3D (2003)

Perky and good-natured, The Misadventures of Merlin Jones is a very entertaining way for a family to pass 90 minutes together. True, modern "youngsters" may find it a bit corny and squeaky clean, but that's part of its charm, and Merlin is actually not as corny as many other family films of the period; for one thing, it avoids the trap of sentimentality. All Merlin is interested in is having a good time, and it does so convincingly. There's no denying that the screenplay is pure formula and relies much too heavily on the kind of contrived mistakes that could easily have been cleared up in two sentences. It's also true that Merlin divides itself rather too neatly into two halves, making it somewhat less than cohesive. But there's such a cheerful spirit surrounding the enterprise that most viewers won't care, especially with the genial Tommy Kirk and the vivacious Annette Funicello on hand to keep things moving. (The "swinging" title song and cut-out animated credits don't hurt, either.) Robert Stevenson directs with his usual zest, keeping Merlin a merry little romp all the way through. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide