A safe, slight film that doesn't possess the chaotic hilarity I associate with Carl Hiaasen's best writing.
Hoot (2006)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:94
Fresh:24
Rotten:70
Average Rating:4.7/10
Consensus: Lacking energy and humor, Hoot is a ho-hum story of eco-awareness that falls flat as a pancake.
Theatrical Release:May 5, 2006 Wide
Box Office: $8,080,116
Synopsis: Jimmy Buffet makes his debut as a producer in this ecologically minded family film, based on the best-selling novel by Carl Hiaasen. New kid Roy Eberhardt (Logan Lerman) is not faring well at his... Jimmy Buffet makes his debut as a producer in this ecologically minded family film, based on the best-selling novel by Carl Hiaasen. New kid Roy Eberhardt (Logan Lerman) is not faring well at his new school in Coconut Grove, Florida. His family recently relocated from his beloved Montana, and immediately Roy has found himself on the bad side of school bullies Dana (Eric Phillips) and Beatrice "The Bear" (Brie Larson). But when he catches sight of a blonde wild boy running barefoot through the streets, Roy is drawn into some strange and unique events in his new home. There have been odd occurrences on the plot of land soon to be occupied by Mother Paula's Pancake House. Someone is perpetrating just enough vandalism to interfere with the restaurant's groundbreaking, while driving the foreman, Mr Muckle (Clark Gregg in a hilarious turn), crazy. After eventually winning Beatrice's friendship, Roy meets the culprit: her stepbrother, Mullet Fingers (Cody Linley), who has taken it upon himself to stop the construction and save the rare burrowing owls that live on the premises. But as the three ecological vigilantes resort to ever more drastic measures to save the owls, Roy realizes their only hope lies in bringing the issue to the public's attention. Charming, fun, and carrying an important message, HOOT overcomes its more incredible aspects through an irresistible good humor that audiences can't help but be swept along by. Luke Wilson (BOTTLE ROCKET) steals the show as a bumbling man-child who somehow managed to become a police officer, while Buffet himself appears as a kindly, surf-bum marine biology teacher. [More]
Starring: Wil Shriner, Brie Larson, Logan Lerman, Clark Gregg
Starring: Wil Shriner, Brie Larson, Logan Lerman, Clark Gregg, Cody Linley, Jessica Cauffiel, Kiersten Warren, Neil Flynn, Tim Blake Nelson, Kin Shriner, Robert Wagner
Producer: Jimmy Buffett
Studio: New Line Cinema
Get This Movie
Rent DVD
Click on the "ADD" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.
Buy DVD
Release:
Aug 15, 2006
Reviews for Hoot
The only highlight is a sequence of outstanding cinematography in Florida's Everglades. Oh, and there's one funny joke. But that doesn't make this film a hoot at all.
It's hard to hate a movie that essentially just wants to teach kids to respect the environment especially when that lesson is imparted in such an upbeat manner. But Hoot is also too bland and clumsy to wholeheartedly embrace.
Hoot in retrospect won’t really offer your children anything they haven’t already seen, and it’s just another preachy environmental film that talks down to them. Have you seen Akeelah and the Bee?
The most important thing to know...is that it's co-produced by Jimmy Buffett, who also appears in a small role and provides new music for the soundtrack.
The least irritating adult in sight is also the least relevant: Officer Delinko (amiable Luke Wilson) tries to help the kids.
This sweet-natured but plodding adaptation of a young-adult novel by Carl Hiaasen could have used a little less broad satire of corporate greed and a few more, well, owls. The critters peep from their burrows for only a few brief moments.
Younger kids will find the pranks and schemes funny, while the enviro-activist theme is an important message to which they may just latch on. The eco-responsibility part, not the venomous snake part, one hopes.
An environmentally conscious Newbery Honor novel has been turned into a disappointing and uninspired movie.
The three leads are likable, but they can’t overcome a slapdash story or some wild overacting by the likes of Luke Wilson, Tim Blake Nelson, Neil Flynn and Clark Gregg.
It's hard to give a hoot about Roy or any of his furtive feathered friends when they're surrounded by a nest of dreary cliches.
Shriner just doesn't have the skills yet to turn lightweight scuffle into heavyweight preaching without bringing down the whole production.
The owls are awfully cute. The eco message is awfully sincere. Beyond that, you probably won't give much of a "Hoot" about this mediocre family movie.
It would be a nice little family film if not for the fact that the young heroes commit felonies in the name of saving the environment.
Holes, Because of Winn-Dixie and now, Hoot. Since we don't really have after school TV specials anymore, these kid novels-turned-hokey movies seem to be fitting the bill.
I can’t image any kid getting excited by this eco-friendly kiddie-empowerment flick
A cute movie with good characters, a message about saving the environment, and still enjoyable. Better than the usual drek they try to pass off as fun family entertainment.
Latest News for Hoot
May 14, 2006:
Box Office Wrapup: "Mission: Impossible 3" Beats "Poseidon" to Remain at #1
Tom Cruise's spy sequel Mission: Impossible III remained the most popular film in North America for the second straight weekend while the big-budget disaster film Poseidon... More...
May 07, 2006:
Box Office Wrapup: "Mission: Impossible III" Big, But Not Huge at #1
Tom Cruise climbed into his usual number one spot at the box office with his heavily-hyped spy sequel Mission: Impossible III, however ticket sales fell below most industry... More...
May 06, 2006:
Box Office Saturday Update: "Mission Impossible III" Grossed $17M on Friday
Tom Cruise topped the box office with his highly-publicized spy sequel Mission: Impossible III on Friday which grossed an estimated $17M in its first day of release. More...
May 04, 2006:
Critical Consensus: "Mission" Accomplished
This week at the movies brings spies ("Mission: Impossible III"), spooks ("An American Haunting") and hoots ("Hoot"). What do the critics have to say? More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Fresh Links
Featured

TECHLAND gives us a first look at the extras, including Leonard Nimoy's last day on set!

AV Club looks at a beloved cult classic, Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness.

TIME offers us a closer look at the characters from the latest Twilight film.

Moviefone lists their choices for the least attractive men in Hollywood.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


