Like father, like son

Orange County

Director: Jake Kasdan

Cast: Colin Hanks, Schuyler Fisk, Jack Black, John Lithgow, Catherine O'Hara, Chevy Chase, Lily Tomlin

Cert: 12PG.

It's good to have famous parents.

This film offers a classic example of the benefits of family connections in the movie business ... Kasdan's father is noted director Lawrence, Hanks's father is multi-Oscar winning actor Tom, Schuyler's mother is Oscar-winning actress Sissy Spacek.

OK, so the kids aren't going to threaten their parents, but they're not too bad in what is merely a so-so coming-of-age comedy in which Hanks is a student whose life is changed by reading a book. He wishes, on the strength of his page-turning, to become a writer.

Those around him prove less than inspiring and his private life is in a bit of a mess ... but, hay, this is Hollywood and it's got nothing to do with real life.

It's a film which does have its moments - not enough, to be sure - and there is a solidly satisfying performance from Black as the slob brother.

Star Rating: 3/5