SCREEN

How to Eat Fried Worms

Benjamin Spacek












HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS (2 stars)
Director: Bob Dolman.
Stars: Luke Benward, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Adam Hicks.
Rated: PG. Opens Friday.


There's something to be said for modesty. Director Bob Dolman (The Banger Sisters) doesn't create anything exceptional with this adaptation of Thomas Rockwell's classic children's tale, but maybe that's a good thing. It seems that most preadolescents on screen use superpowers or magic wands to get through life, so it's nice to see 11-year-old boys just behaving like 11-year-old boys.

The story centers on Billy Forrester (Benward), who must deal with the usual tribulations of starting the fifth grade at a new school. In addition to trouble fitting in with his new classmates, he quickly makes matters worse for himself—and his weak stomach—by agreeing to a bet with the school bully that he can eat 10 worms in one day. What ensues are the usual lessons about friendship and responsibility, just handled in a matter that's, well, more disgusting.

If you can handle the details, there are some laughs to be had. It's also refreshing to see a family film that's free from gimmicks and focuses on the story and characters. One final note on originality, though. It's the second movie lately in which a slimy, slithering creature has been placed inside a microwave and combusted—Worms on a Plate.

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