Houseguest (1995)
Synopsis:
In Houseguest, Kevin Franklin is a fast-talking con artist on the run from loan sharks. Desperate to escape, he stumbles upon Gary Young, a dentist who is expecting an old friend to visit. Seizing the opportunity, Kevin pretends to be the friend and is welcomed into Gary's suburban home. As Kevin tries to blend in with the family, he finds himself in a series of comedic situations, trying to maintain his cover while avoiding the dangerous men on his trail. Meanwhile, Gary's family, including his wife and kids, are oblivious to Kevin's true identity, leading to a mix of misunderstandings and humorous encounters. As the weekend unfolds, Kevin's ability to keep up the charade is constantly tested, creating a whirlwind of chaos and laughter.
Where To Watch: Houseguest
Parental Feedback
Houseguest, released in 1995, is a comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie combines humor and light-hearted adventure, with a tone that most parents find entertaining and appropriate for family viewing. While some reviews mention minor concerns about certain comedic elements, the general sentiment is positive, with many appreciating its fun and engaging storyline.
Why Kids Should Watch Houseguest
Houseguest offers a delightful mix of humor and life lessons that resonate well with young audiences.
- Promotes the value of friendship and understanding.
- Features a strong comedic performance by the lead character that kids find amusing.
- Visually engaging with lively and colorful scenes that capture children's attention.
- Includes a heartwarming resolution that emphasizes the importance of honesty.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Houseguest
Some parents express concerns about the movie's comedic approach to certain situations.
- May present a challenge in understanding the consequences of deceitful behavior.
- Contains scenes where characters engage in misleading actions that could be confusing.
- Some comedic elements might be misinterpreted by younger viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers humor, positive messages about friendship, and a fun storyline.
What Parents Should Know About Houseguest
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie showcases characters learning the value of honesty and friendship. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Some scenes involve characters in tricky situations that may require parental guidance to explain the outcomes. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the storyline demonstrates how deceit can lead to complications, ultimately resolved through honesty. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Characters work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of teamwork and cooperation. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of being truthful and the value of genuine friendships. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Houseguest is praised for its humor and positive messages, making it a fun choice for family movie nights. While some comedic elements might require parental explanation, the film's strengths lie in its engaging storyline and the lessons it imparts about honesty and friendship. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the movie's themes with their children. For those seeking similar content, movies like "Home Alone" or "Mrs. Doubtfire" might also be enjoyable options.
Official Houseguest Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Houseguest
Houseguest's most common core values include Friendship, Honesty, and Humor. Kids will see how Kevin and Gary's family develop an unexpected friendship, despite the chaos surrounding them. As Kevin tries to act like Gary's old friend, he learns more about being honest and how telling the truth can help, even when it seems hard. The kids in the family get to know Kevin and show how friendships can grow even when someone new seems wildly different. Laughter and comedic moments are sprinkled throughout, showing that a sense of humor can help lighten up any tricky situation.
Friendship, honesty, and humor shine in a scene where Kevin learns about the importance of telling the truth. When he almost gets caught in his lie at Gary's family barbecue, he's faced with a big decision. Kids see how Kevin uses humor to get out of a jam, showing that laughter can often be the best medicine. This moment also nudges him toward being honest as he starts to care about the family he's deceiving. The friendships formed throughout the story highlight trust and how being honest with friends is key to keeping those bonds strong.
Other Core Values Explored: Being a good neighbor | Dealing with fear | Forgiveness | Making good choices | Responsibility. | Trust | Problem-solving
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Houseguest
Being True to Yourself: As Kevin maintains his fake identity, he slowly realizes the importance of staying true to who he really is. Despite the comedic chaos, the film emphasizes how pretending to be someone else can cause more problems than it solves.
Building Friendships: Despite the initial deception, Kevin forges genuine bonds with Gary and his family. Throughout the movie, viewers see how forming real connections can occur even in unlikely circumstances, showing kids the value of building friendships based on genuine interactions.
Learning from Mistakes: Kevin's tangled web of lies leads to several sticky situations, teaching viewers the importance of addressing mistakes head-on. The film highlights how learning from past errors can lead to better decision-making in the future.
Supporting Your Friends: As Kevin becomes part of Gary's life, he finds himself genuinely trying to help the Young family, offering a glimpse of how supporting those around us, even when it's tough, can lead to positive outcomes.
Practicing Empathy: Through his interactions with the family, Kevin learns to see things from their perspective, demonstrating how understanding and empathizing with others can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Differences | Finding Courage
Why Kids Love Houseguest
The chaos begins when Kevin hatches a madcap plan to blend in with Gary's unsuspecting suburban family. What follows is a series of uproarious antics where Kevin must sidestep being caught by using quick thinking and zany creativity. Kids are kept on the edge of their seats as Kevin finds himself in slapstick scenarios, from dodging mishaps in the kitchen to impressing kids with unpredictable stunts. Each twist keeps the fun alive, especially as Kevin attempts to outsmart the relentless loan sharks chasing him. His resourceful, albeit wacky, ways of evading trouble encourage laughter as he navigates through the lively whirlpool of confusion he’s created.
Kids enjoy seeing how Kevin’s tricky situations lead to unexpected friendships with Gary's curious family. Watching Kevin and the kids team up to solve wild problems—sometimes involving messy, hilarious pranks—offers lots of giggles and surprises. As improbable as it might seem, being stuck with loan sharks hot on his heels pushes Kevin to involve himself in the family's life, creating playful scenarios that test his ability to keep his true identity hidden. Whether it’s inventively wriggling out of mischief or being the reluctant hero amidst the chaos, Kevin’s whirlwind experience showcases crazy, entertaining moments that excite young viewers with its fast-paced, sly humor and nonstop zaniness.