Rating: A-I (PG)

NEW YORK (CNS) — The following is a capsule review of a movie recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Slight but entertaining animated horror spoof in which the titular character (voice of John Cusack), a hunchbacked assistant to an evil inventor (voice of John Cleese), aspires to become a mad scientist himself and, with the bungling help of two sidekicks, a brain in a jar (voice of Sean Hayes) and a rabbit (voice of Steve Buscemi), mistakenly creates a nice monster (voice of Molly Shannon) with theatrical ambitions. Director Tony Leondis’ family comedy, which also features voice work by Jennifer Coolidge, Jay Leno and Arsenio Hall, fails to capitalize fully on the wealth of talent on tap, occasionally ventures into needless potty humor, and contains some scenes of destruction that might frighten very young viewers. However, it does offer lessons about overcoming stereotypes, pursuing dreams and freely embracing goodness. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.