Problem Child (1990)
Synopsis:
Ben Healy and his social-climbing wife Flo decide to adopt a child and bring home seven-year-old Junior, hoping to complete their family. However, their dreams of domestic bliss quickly unravel when they discover that their new son is far from the well-behaved child they imagined. Junior proves to be a mischievous handful who transforms everyday activities into chaotic disasters. From camping trips to birthday parties and even baseball games, nothing is safe from Junior's antics as he turns each occasion into a comic nightmare. As Ben struggles to connect with his unpredictable adopted son while Flo pursues her social ambitions, the family must navigate the challenges of raising a child who seems determined to create mayhem at every turn in this family comedy.
Where To Watch: Problem Child
Parental Feedback
Problem Child delivers fast-paced slapstick comedy centered on mischief and chaos, with a tone that leans heavily into exaggerated pranks and physical gags. Parents should expect a lighthearted but relentless stream of comedic mayhem as the story follows a couple who adopt a boy whose behavior quickly spirals into one disaster after another. The humor style is broad and cartoonish, turning everyday situations like camping trips, birthday parties, and baseball games into comic nightmares, which may appeal to children who enjoy over-the-top antics but could feel repetitive or chaotic to others.
Why Kids Should Watch Problem Child
Problem Child offers several elements that may entertain younger viewers looking for silly, energetic comedy.
The slapstick humor and physical comedy provide plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that children often find appealing. The exaggerated pranks and mishaps create a cartoonish atmosphere that can be fun for kids who enjoy watching mischievous characters in action.
The family-friendly rating makes it accessible for a wide age range. With a PG rating and a runtime of just 81 minutes, it's a relatively short and straightforward viewing experience that won't demand too much patience from younger audiences.
The cast includes recognizable comedic performers who bring energy to their roles. John Ritter, Michael Richards, and Gilbert Gottfried contribute to the film's comedic tone with their distinctive styles, adding variety to the humor.
The premise of a child turning ordinary events into chaos may resonate with kids' own sense of playful rebellion. Watching Junior transform everyday activities into comic disasters can feel relatable to children who sometimes push boundaries themselves.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Problem Child
Parents may have several reservations about Problem Child depending on their family's values and sensitivities.
The central character's behavior is consistently destructive and mean-spirited without clear consequences until late in the story. Junior's pranks often hurt or humiliate others, and much of the comedy rewards his mischief rather than discouraging it, which could send mixed messages about acceptable behavior.
The relentless chaos and lack of positive role modeling may concern parents who prefer stories with clearer moral lessons. The film focuses heavily on mayhem and disruption, with limited emphasis on kindness, empathy, or constructive problem-solving throughout most of its runtime.
Some of the humor relies on embarrassment and cruelty toward other characters. The comedy frequently comes at the expense of people being humiliated, injured, or distressed by Junior's actions, which may not align with values around treating others with respect and compassion.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Problem Child earns a cautious approval for families who enjoy broad slapstick comedy and can discuss the difference between movie mischief and real-world behavior, though parents seeking positive role models may want to look elsewhere.
What Parents Should Know About Problem Child
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie primarily showcases mischievous and destructive behavior, with limited positive role modeling until the conclusion, so parents should be prepared to discuss why Junior's actions aren't appropriate in real life. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film touches on adoption and the desire for family connection, which could raise questions for some children, though these themes are handled lightly within the overall comedic framework. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Consequences for Junior's behavior are largely absent through most of the story, with the focus instead on the chaos he creates, though the ending does suggest some resolution. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Social skills are not a primary focus, as the comedy centers on disruption and pranks rather than cooperation, empathy, or constructive communication between characters. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The film's message about family acceptance and belonging emerges near the end, but it may be overshadowed by the extended focus on mischief and mayhem throughout the majority of the runtime. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parental reactions to Problem Child tend to be mixed, with opinions often divided between those who appreciate its silly, nostalgic humor and those who find the behavior modeling problematic. Many parents note that while the slapstick comedy can entertain children who enjoy physical gags and cartoonish chaos, the lack of consequences for Junior's destructive actions raises concerns about the messages being sent. Some families enjoy it as lighthearted, turn-off-your-brain entertainment that doesn't take itself seriously, while others feel the relentless meanness and pranks make it a poor choice for teaching empathy or kindness. The film's short runtime and PG rating make it accessible, but parents frequently recommend watching together and using it as an opportunity to discuss why the behavior shown isn't acceptable in real life.
Official Problem Child Trailer
Why Kids Love Problem Child
Junior turns everyday events into total mayhem with his wild pranks and schemes. A simple camping trip becomes a disaster zone, and even a birthday party explodes into cartoon-style chaos that keeps kids laughing at every turn.
The slapstick comedy hits hard when Junior crashes into stuff and creates awkward situations wherever he goes. A baseball game transforms into a comic nightmare with chasing scenes and physical gags that feel straight out of a live-action cartoon.
Kids love watching Ben try to handle his mischievous son while characters like the over-the-top Mr. Peabody and bumbling Martin Beck add extra silly jokes to the mix. Every scene delivers wild rollercoaster moments as Junior's pranks spiral completely out of control.
The movie packs in crashing, chasing, and non-stop mishaps that make ordinary activities hilariously unpredictable. Junior's ability to turn any situation into pure chaos keeps the energy high and the laughs coming from start to finish.