Tim Allen is returning to his stand-up comedy roots in support of his feature film directing debut, "Crazy on the Outside."

The actor/comedian will perform and introduce an advance screening of the film at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mann St. Louis Park Cinema 6.

Allen, who spent the spring of 2001 in the Twin Cities shooting "Joe Somebody," is returning as part of a 10-city tour that includes Denver, St. Louis, Phoenix, Seattle, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles and New York.

In his new film, he plays a well-meaning ex-convict hoping for a second chance at life. That's complicated by his crush on his good-looking parole officer (Jeanne Tripplehorn), his kooky sister (Sigourney Weaver) and her cynical husband (J.K. Simmons).

The film opens nationwide Jan. 8.

Tickets to Wednesday's show are $20 at the theater box office, 5400 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park. Call 952-927-9605 for information.

COLIN COVERT