Movies / Kangaroo Jack (2003)

Kids will be drawn to Kangaroo Jack because of the playful antics of a computer-generated kangaroo; however, they'll probably be bored stiff as they endure the absurd and over-elaborate plot. Charlie (the charmless Jerry O'Connell) and his best friend Louis (the reasonably amusing Anthony Anderson) run afoul of Charlie's mob boss stepfather. He insists that they deliver $50,000 to a mystery man in the Australian outback--or else. Along the way, these two dimwits put Louis's bright red jacket (which happens to contain the money) on a kangaroo they think they've accidentally killed, which awakens and bounds off. Belabored and nonsensical chases follow, along with the usual realizations about the importance of friendship, etc. Kangaroo Jack has a lot more sexual innuendo and violence than you'd expect, none of which is either funny or thrilling. Christopher Walken and Estella Warren get through their supporting roles largely unscathed. --Bret Fetzer