His attempt at children's comedies met additional criticism. "Surf Ninjas" (1993) and "Mr. Magoo" (1997) had scathing reviews. Several critics were disappointed that Nielsen's role in "Surf Ninjas" was only "an extended cameo" and Chris Hicks recommended that viewers "avoid any comedy that features Leslie Nielsen outside of the "Naked Gun" series." Jeff Miller of the "Houston Chronicle" panned "Mr. Magoo", a live-action remake of the 1950s cartoon, by saying, "I'm supposed to suggest how the film might be better, but I can't think of anything to say other than to make the film again."