an icepick through the keyhole

I think you've hit it on the head.

I had an advantage-- I never saw the television show. I've heard it referenced, of course, but I've never watched it. We took my mother to see it because she loves movies and there aren't that many out that she'll watch. If it hadn't been for needing to take Mom somewhere, I'd probably never have gone to see it.

And I loved it. I was just absolutely *charmed*. Yeah, it was a popcorn movie, but it was just adorable. It didn't take itself too seriously, but it also didn't rely heavily on the sort of humor that makes me run screaming (a la There's Something About Bruce Bigelow Cable Pie). Not huge on the stupidity gags or the gross-outs. Just... a movie that wanted me to have some fun. (I actually cheered when the chief flew the plane sideways.)

And yeah... it had heart. :)