“Hoot,” Rated PG, 90 minutes. This witty family film has enough mystery and edge to keep attentive kids age 8 and older entertained. Directed with a sense of fun by Wil Shriner, “Hoot ...

The movie may not be much of a hoot, but it still has more smarts, heart and conscience than those dumb family flicks put together. Related. Amy Sussman / Getty Images.