The Kids’ Spin on Election 2000

Should children concern themselves with Razor scooters, or the razor-thin margins by which a U.S. presidential election can be decided?

Twelve-year-old filmmaker Chaille Stovall makes a strong argument that the answer is “both.” And along the way, his documentary “Party Animals” (tonight at 7, HBO) presents politicians, journalists and celebrities during the 2000 presidential campaign in a surprisingly down-to-earth light.

At one level, the hourlong film is “for kids, by kids.” As part of the “30 by 30: Kid Flicks” series, it was written, directed, filmed and edited by children. Unfortunately, the camera often jerks or fades out of focus, the sound quality varies, and the film loses momentum in its midsection, as adults repeatedly state that children should indeed care about politics. That’s when you might wish Stovall had stuck to the “30 by 30” format of half-hour programs.

Yet there are also moments of insight that justify the longer treatment. Sometimes they come in small gestures: Elizabeth Dole taking off her shoes so she can be closer to Stovall’s eye level; George W. Bush giggling at some humorously phrased questions; Al Gore admiring his inquisitor’s “power suit.”

In other instances, there are cogent discussions of the electoral college and the differences between Democrats and Republicans. Stovall’s Q&A; format lets his subjects speak at length, if they so desire. It also tends to reveal whether they are taking him seriously or giving him a spiel, which lets you see something of the interviewee’s character.

In fact, it might have been better if “Party Animals” had been completed and shown before last year’s election day instead of this year’s.

Surf Report

SERIES

Caught with another man, Mary (Jessica Biel) faces a crossroads in her relationship with Wilson on “7th Heaven” (8 p.m. WB).

SPECIALS

Julie Andrews stars in a filmed version of the stage musical “Victor/Victoria” (4 and 8 p.m. Bravo), based on Blake Edwards’ hit film comedy from 1982 about a female cabaret singer impersonating a female impersonator.

“Winter Warriors” (9 p.m. History Channel) looks back at the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, specially trained troops who fought the Germans in the Italian Alps during World War II.

SPORTS

The Denver Broncos ride west to meet the Oakland Raiders on “Monday Night Football” (6 p.m. ABC).

MOVIES

A long way down: Ex-cop Jimmy Stewart is dizzy over femme fatale Kim Novak in “Vertigo” (10:45 a.m. and 7:35 p.m. AMC), director Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 masterpiece of suspense.