One of the best episodes of TV’s “Northern Exposure” had Maggie, the female lead, meeting herself as a teenager. I thought it was one of the most clever and original ideas to come to the “boob tube.” Now, some ten years later, the same clever and original idea has come to the big screen. But we won’t hold that against them. It is a very funny, touching film parents will enjoy with the little ones. Aided by witty dialogue, another supportive role by Bruce Willis, and without being too precocious, little Spencer Breslin steals nearly every scene.

Although Willis is the star, he is more than willing to bolster his fellow cast members. Indeed, he is one of the most giving straight men since Jerry’s partner, Dean Martin. Willis sets up a gag, allowing his miniature costar the funny delivery. The “Moonlighting” star has picked a few stinkers over the years, but with his “Die Hard” films and the more recent “The Sixth Sense” and “The Whole Nine Yards” (we couldn’t approve either of those two films, but they are examples of quality pictures with cleaver performances by the star) Willis reminds us that he is charismatic, entertaining, and talented. Mind you, this isn’t the “Gone With the Wind” of comedies, but it does satisfy both little ones and parents alike. The key words here are clever, charming and funny.