The Abc Family Movie Father and Scout

 ((Sat. (15), 8-10 p.m., ABC))

By TONY SCOTT

Filmed in Southern California by New Line Prods. Executive producers, Bob Saget, Sasha Emerson, Laura Gerson, Peter Morgan, Melissa Goddard; producer, Cindy Hornickel; director, Richard Michaels; writers, Sheldon Bull, Hoyt Hilsman.
 
Cast: Bob Saget, Brian Bonsall, Troy Evans, Stuart Pankin, David Graf, Heidi Swedberg, Kimberly Scott, Brian Levinson, Denver Pyle, ChaChi Pittman, Ryan Holihan, Lucy Butler, Robert Egan, Hassan Nicholas, Steven Kavner, John Petlock, William Mesnik, Jonathan Emerson, Jason Azikiwe.
 

Asure step up from last week's "Summertime Switch," the opening offering from "ABC Family Movie," this latest entry -- about a non-athletic dad going on a camping trip with his 10-year-old son -- doesn't sound promising. But director Richard Michaels and his cast go for the unsubtle approach, and there's something to that.

Bob Saget's individualistic Paley and Brian Bonsall as his enthusiastic son Michael set out on a school Dad & Lad camping weekend despite Paley's misgivings. The format's rusty, but there's a twist or two that keep the vidpic bumping along.

Paley, a sarcastic whiner, embarrasses his son by taking potshots at the others on the campout's first night. He particularly riles bully Chet (David Graf), father of equally ugly-spirited Chip (ChaChi Pittman). Chet and Chip pull some underhanded tricks on Paley and Michael until the inevitable moment when Chet needs Paley's help.

Trouble is, Paley has a personality that's annoying enough to throw off viewers, and Chet draws some sympathy.

Some of Saget's physical antics are amusing in the broad comedy, and his character is genuine if not personable. Acting otherwise is generally flat, except for Bonsall, who springs a likable, gritty personality.

The comedy by Sheldon Bull and Hoyt Hilsman (a reviewer for Daily Variety) won't keep people gaspin' to know what happens next, but it's satisfactory family fodder. Tech credits are OK, and there are a few chuckles. There's hope.

Camera, Isidore Mendelsohn; editors, Michael Brown, Casey Brown; production designer, C.J. Strawn; art director, James R. Barrows; sound, Steve Nelson; music, David Kitay.