The Misadventures of Merlin Jones was such an unexpected hit Disney quickly rushed out a sequel which turned out to be the last film for the studio from Tommy Kirk... not so surprising considering he was busted for drugs but more surprisingly it was the last one from Annette Funicello, who didn't get busted for anything, I think it was more she had kids, and Disney wanted to move on.
There's three main storylines - it feels like episodes of a 30 minute show looped together: Merlin adopts a monkey which causes chaos, Merlin helps football players study with his crazy study technique so they can play the big game, Merlin develops a flying device so a rich old dude will give money to the college.
The money stuff is solid as are the flying scenes - though too much time is spent on a football player going to fly. Mark Goddard from Lost in Space is a football player who seems keen on Annette - they would have been better off developing that love triangle, and also one with the girl who baby sits Merlin. I don't know why.
Annette looks lovely and sings the catchy title song with the Beach Boys but really doesn't have anything to do - she could have been cut out of the movie. I wish they'd used her more - she's charming. Tommy Kirk handles with light comedy well - it's such a shame he didn't go on to The Love Bug and what not. Leon Ames offers support.
It has nice colour and kids may like it.
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