3-D adventure is funny ... if you're a first grader.

See six videos from "G-FORCE."

A group of genetically engineered rodents (three guinea pigs and a mole) form a secret squad of special agents ready to do the U.S. government's bidding. Led by Darwin (voiced by Sam Rockwell), the team includes Juarez (Penelope Cruz), Blaster (Tracy Morgan), and technology genius Speckles (Nicolas Cage).

When the team uncovers a consumer electronics CEO's (Bill Nighy) plot to activate secret computer chips in every appliance his company has ever sold, they must stop him while also fending off their government bosses (Will Arnett), who want to shut down the G-Force unit.

Kids, especially early elementary schoolers, will love "G-FORCE's" talking animals, toilet humor, and 3-D action. But anyone older than eight may be hard pressed to find the film worth seeing. There are laughs (albeit predictable ones), and the voice cast is talented, but the story and execution are an example of yet another lazy attempt to extract easy money from a population desperate to head to the multiplex.

Parents who want to delight their first graders will score extra points for taking them to see a bunch of guinea pigs act like special-ops agents and make a ton of fart jokes. But if you're trying to please a group that includes tweens and teens, the humor will prove way too unsophisticated.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this 3-D adventure is sure to attract kids who can't resist talking animals, high-stakes action, and a hefty dose of silly gags and potty humor (especially a constantly farting guinea pig).

Expect lots of action and some peril; the villain turns home appliances into killer robots, and there's a disturbing/sad reference to a character who might have been killed by a garbage truck (but it's not confirmed). Language includes mild insults like "stupid" and "dumb" and comments about how "hot" the female guinea pig is.

Familes Can Talk About

• Families can talk about the movie's potty humor. Is it funny or too crude? Why do so many movies for kids amp up that kind of joke?

• Also, the movie's violence stems from a character's desire for vengeance. What lesson does he learn in the end?

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Director: Hoyt Yeatman Cast: Sam Rockwell, Zach Galifianaki, Will Arnett, Bill Nighy Genre: Family and Kids Run time: 90 minutes Theatrical release: 7/24/2009 MPAA rating: PG MPAA explanation: some mild action and rude humor

Reviewed by Sandie Angulo Chen.

See more about "G-FORCE" at Common Sense Media.