April 6, 1993 -- ``Jack the Bear'' is not what it seems to be judging by the previews. It is a strange mixture of film genres.

Danny DeVito stars a ``monster of ceremonies'' on a late night horror TV show in Oakland, Calif. It starts out like one of those warm, fuzzy slice-of-life shows about a single father trying as best he can to raise his two sons.

Just when you think you have it figured out, up pops Norman Bates next door as an evil neo-Nazi kidnapper. The kidnapping of DeVito's youngest son by the monster next door throws the whole plot into a real tizzy.

The plot seems to be heading in about five directions at once. One thing you can definitely say about this film. It does have surprises. It is hard to figure out what will happen next, or even to get a grip on what is happening now.

I'll have to admit, though, it did get to me. It is an effective tear-jerker. DeVito is excellent as the guilt-ridden, hard-drinking father and his older son, Jack, played by Robert J. Steinmiller Jr. is terrific.

With a less chaotic plot, this film might rate an A, but as is, it is just a C+. It is rated PG, but is not really a kids film.

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