This . . . was the most fun I’ve had in a long while. Sure, it’s a family film . . . ya know, for kids. So I hate to burst the bubble for all you people out there who were hoping to hear Paul Newman swear his head off.

Tim Robbins works at the prestigious Hudsucker Industries (long live the Hud!) where he sorts through never-ending piles of mail in a vain attempt to actually sort it all out. Sure, it’s a lackluster, horrible job that reminds one of the crowded hallways that suddenly become filled with trains of people in Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, but this all changes when he is asked to deliver a “blue letter.” This sets off a chain of events that eventually lands Tim Robbins as the (figure) head of the company and let’s film develop a project that he’s wanted to make for a very long time: the hula hoop. You know, for kids.

The cast is terrific, although I think the Coens could have picked someone better than Jennifer Jason Leigh for her part. Bruce Campbell does a swell job as well. And let’s not forget the bellhop (Hey buddy!) who is probably my favorite character in the movie. All the way from the hilarious opening of the big boss gearing up on top of the table to the grand finale in the clock tower, this is an absolutely fabulous film for people of all ages. Especially, well, you know, for kids.