Norm, voiced by Rob Schneider, and other animated characters, appear in the movie "Norm of the North." The Catholic News Service classification is A-I -- general patronage. (CNS photo/Lionsgate)

By Catholic News Service

A wisecracking polar bear (voice of Rob Schneider) ventures south to New York City to save his home environment from destruction in this silly but harmless animated comedy directed by Trevor Wall.

As he goes up against a maniacal developer (voiced by Ken Jeong) who’s out to build luxury housing on the Arctic ice shelf, the upbeat ursine wins the support of the mogul’s assistant (voice of Heather Graham) and of her precocious daughter (voice of Maya Kay).

While his adventures are suitable for all ages, and incorporate positive messages about family and friendship, merely average visuals, heavy-handed homilies about the need to go green as well as an excessive reliance on scatological jokes — a trio of mischievous lemmings relieve themselves in public at every opportunity — combine for a rather tedious outing.

Mild cartoonish violence, some bathroom humor, a bit of adult wordplay.

The Catholic News Service 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.

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