Unaccompanied Minors (2006)

A Midwest-wide blizzard strands passengers at an airport on Christmas Eve in this family comedy. Security corrals the kids traveling without parents into a large, windowless room. Sans supervision, the area quickly descends into a sugar-fueled LORD OF THE FLIES frenzy, with food fights substituting for any real violence. Five kids attempt to escape: awkward-but-normal teen Spencer (Dyllan Christopher), Harvard-bound brain Charlie (Tyler James Williams), gentle giant Beef (Brett Kelly), rebel Donna (Quinn Shephard), and rich girl Grace (Gina Mantegna). Thwarted by the holiday-hating head of passenger relations (Lewis Black) and an unlucky underling (Wilmer Valderama), the kids try to salvage their Christmas holiday.

Black (THE DAILY SHOW WITH JOHN STEWART) is perfectly cast as the acerbic villain. Though he has toned down his barbs from his normal rage-spewing routine (this is family fare, after all), he's still one of the highlights of the film. Each of the child actors has had a lot of experience for their age, and it shows here. Williams is the title character in EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS, and he shines as the uptight member of the bunch. With hints of HOME ALONE and THE BREAKFAST CLUB, UNACCOMPANIED MINORS appeals to the whole family. For kids, there are plenty of giggle-inducing moments to please. Meanwhile, their parents will enjoy playing spot the celebrity with cameos by actors from KIDS IN THE HALL, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, and NBC's THE OFFICE. Director Paul Feig is best known for his sitcom work, and his former stars show up to help him here. With humor and a little heart, UNACCOMPANIED MINORS is a tasty holiday treat.