Hub and Garth are ridiculous, wealthy, and, in the story they tell, faithful to a harder life than the suburb wants to hear. The film lets the tale stay a little unverified, because the boy needs the standard more than he needs the paperwork. The standard is plain: men do not lie, steal, or cheat, and they do not tolerate those who do. Some of the adventure is boys'-book stuff. The porch is the true set. A child left by a careless mother is not a comedy premise, and the film, to its credit, does not find her charming.

Watch it with a boy who is deciding what kind of man the loud world is offering. Then be dull and reliable on the porch you actually have.