RV

There comes a time in every comic actor's life when his agent hands him a script that demands he be covered from head to toe in liquid sewage, said Amy Biancolli in the Houston Chronicle. When that happens, here's some advice for any actor with self-respect: 'œNix the script. And fire your agent.' Unfortunately for us, Robin Williams chose instead to sign on to RV, a terrible movie about a family road trip that contains the inevitable spewing-toilet gag. It's depressing that Williams decided to star in this bomb, but even more depressing that Barry Sonnenfeld of The Addams Family decided to direct. Bad jokes aren't the worst thing about RV, said Mick LaSalle in the San Francisco Chronicle. The movie presents 'œa poisonous view of family life,' in which Dad gets no respect, Mom is spiteful, Junior is withdrawn, and big sis is cruel. So cruel, in fact, that if it weren't for the terrorists in United 93, she'd be the most evil character in theaters this week. Not even Williams' famous energy can turn things around, said Jeannette Catsoulis in The New York Times. It's clear that Sonnenfeld has attempted to rein him in, and it's a little sad to see Williams' wings clipped. Apart from 'œa manic end sequence that leaves Mr. Williams looking alarmingly close to suffering a coronary event,' the comedian generally plays it straight.

Rating: PG

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