The Penny Promise

Most of the folks involved with putting this family comedy together are Mormon, so it comes as no surprise that there's nothing within to offend the faithful. What is surprising is that there's nothing to offend the heathens either, unless you consider excessively white teeth as eyesores. Scott Christopher stars as Will Duncan, a wide-eyed, inline-skating science teacher with a penchant for absolute honesty no matter what, and a knack for engaging in poorly staged slapstick (Christopher clearly idolizes Jerry Lewis and Jim Carrey, but there's nothing here to write France about). Naturally, the more cynical townspeople laugh at Will's unflagging optimism until the climax, at which point they suddenly undergo a 180-degree transformation with very little provocation and laud him as a hero. Child star Bobby Edner shows potential as the troubled child made whole by Will's faith in him, and all involved seem very enthusiastic about what they're doing, which is contagious. The film may not be much different from run-of-the-mill Disney Channel fare, but on the plus side it's also no worse. Religious conservative critics in the Medved mold may find something to dislike in the film's portrayal of rich people as bad guys, but those who feel besieged by Hollywood amorality should have a fine time.