THE LAST MIMZY — ** — Chris O'Neil, Rhiannon Leigh Wryn, Joely Richardson; rated PG (violence, mild profanity, vulgarity).

Everything about "The Last Mimzy" — from the advertising campaign to the resemblance between the film's young star, Chris O'Neil, and the young Henry Thomas — seems to invite comparisons to "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial."

As you might expect, the many comparisons turn out to be a huge mistake. Few movies can stack up to Steven Spielberg's beloved 1982 blockbuster. And it doesn't help that this science-fiction adventure aimed at families tries to be a little headier and mind-blowing than it probably should be.

The title refers to one of the mysterious "toys" recently discovered by Noah Wilder (O'Neil) and his younger sister, Emma (Rhiannon Leigh Wryn). The items seem to have magical qualities: alien-looking rocks levitate and a stuffed rabbit appears to talk to Emma — and one of Noah's toys accidentally causes a citywide power blackout.

Understandably, the kids' parents, especially their mother (Joely Richardson), become concerned when they start spending more time with each other than with their other friends.

Not to give anything away, but the credited screenwriters have tried to turn Lewis Padgett's award-winning story "Mimsy Were the Borogoves" — itself inspired by Lewis Carroll — into an environmental statement.

Filmmaker Robert Shaye has been working as studio chief for New Line Cinema and hasn't directed a movie since 1990's "Book of Love." And it shows, since nothing here really wows like it should.

Also, the adult characterizations are inconsistent. So you can't blame Richardson, Timothy Hutton (who plays her husband), Michael Clarke Duncan and Rainn Wilson for seeming a bit confused and tentative in their performances.

But the two youngsters are quite good, especially newcomer O'Neil.

"The Last Mimzy" is rated PG for some brief violent content (roughhousing, some vehicular mayhem and children in peril elements), scattered use of mild profanity (mostly religiously based), and some mildly vulgar humor and references. Running time: 97 minutes.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com