The Kid (2000)
Synopsis:
Powerful businessman Russ Duritz has become completely absorbed in his work, leaving little room for anything else in his life. Through an unexpected twist of magic, he encounters Rusty, his 8-year-old self, who is shocked and disappointed to discover what he's become as an adult—a man with no meaningful relationships and not even a dog. The chubby, charming younger version of himself can't believe how far he's strayed from his childhood dreams. Together, Russ and Rusty embark on a journey that helps the grown-up businessman reconcile who he once hoped to be with the reality of who he has become. This heartwarming fantasy comedy explores themes of self-discovery and second chances as Russ learns important lessons about life from his younger self.
Where To Watch: The Kid
Parental Feedback
The Kid blends fantasy and comedy with heartfelt family themes, offering a gentle, magical premise that explores self-reflection and personal growth. The pacing is steady and accessible, with lighthearted humor balanced by emotional moments centered on reconciling past dreams with present reality. Parents should expect themes of self-acceptance, the importance of childhood wonder, and the value of becoming a better person, all wrapped in a Disney-style fantasy framework that remains appropriate for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch The Kid
This fantasy-comedy offers several positive elements that can resonate with young viewers and spark meaningful family conversations.
The central premise of meeting your younger self creates a unique opportunity for children to think about their own dreams and aspirations. The magical encounter between adult Russ and 8-year-old Rusty encourages reflection on staying true to oneself and maintaining childhood optimism.
The story emphasizes personal transformation and the importance of kindness, showing how people can change for the better. Through Rusty's influence, the narrative demonstrates that it's never too late to reconnect with what truly matters in life.
Bruce Willis and Spencer Breslin deliver performances that make the fantastical premise feel genuine and emotionally grounded. The supporting cast, including Emily Mortimer, Lily Tomlin, and Chi McBride, adds warmth and humor that keeps the story engaging for family audiences.
The PG-13 rating and Disney production values ensure age-appropriate content with positive messages about self-improvement and maintaining wonder. The film's tagline—"Nobody ever grows up quite like they imagined"—captures a universal truth that can resonate across generations.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Kid
While generally family-friendly, there are a few considerations parents should weigh before viewing.
The central character, Russ Duritz, is initially portrayed as self-absorbed and work-obsessed, which means children will spend significant screen time with a protagonist who models negative behavior before his transformation. Young viewers may find his early coldness and lack of empathy off-putting or confusing.
The emotional themes surrounding regret, unfulfilled dreams, and disappointment with how life turned out may be too abstract or melancholy for younger children. The film's introspective nature requires a level of emotional maturity to fully appreciate its message.
Some of the humor and character dynamics are geared toward adult sensibilities, which might result in younger viewers losing interest during dialogue-heavy scenes. The fantasy elements, while present, take a backseat to character development and emotional growth.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Kid earns approval for its heartwarming message about self-improvement, maintaining childhood wonder, and the importance of becoming a kinder person, making it suitable for family viewing with children mature enough to appreciate its emotional themes.
What Parents Should Know About The Kid
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the story ultimately models personal growth, kindness, and the importance of reconnecting with one's authentic self, though the protagonist begins by displaying negative behaviors that are later corrected. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the film explores themes of regret, unfulfilled dreams, and reconciling past hopes with present reality, which may be emotionally complex for younger children to fully grasp. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, Russ's self-absorbed and work-obsessed lifestyle is portrayed as lonely and unfulfilling, and his transformation comes through recognizing the negative impact of his behavior. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the narrative emphasizes self-reflection, personal accountability, and the value of meaningful relationships over material success and career obsession. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the film delivers a clear message about staying true to your dreams, maintaining childhood wonder, and the importance of becoming a kinder, more authentic person. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate the positive messages about personal growth and self-acceptance woven throughout this Disney fantasy-comedy. Many families find the premise of meeting your younger self to be creative and thought-provoking, sparking conversations about dreams, choices, and staying true to oneself. The PG-13 rating reflects some mature themes and emotional complexity, which parents of older children tend to view as age-appropriate and meaningful. While some note that younger viewers may struggle with the introspective pacing and abstract concepts, families with children aged 10 and up often report enjoying the film together. The performances, particularly the chemistry between Bruce Willis and Spencer Breslin, receive consistent praise for making the fantastical story feel emotionally genuine and relatable.
Official The Kid Trailer
Why Kids Love The Kid
Kids love watching grumpy businessman Russ Duritz freak out when his chubby, goofy 8-year-old self Rusty suddenly appears out of nowhere. The silly jokes fly as young Rusty can't believe grown-up Russ turned out so boring, and their awkward bickering creates tons of funny moments as they stumble through everyday situations together.
The movie delivers laughs through Rusty's kid logic clashing with adult Russ's serious world—imagine a little boy critiquing a fancy office or demanding they get a dog right now. Their unexpected friendship grows as they help each other fix problems, with Rusty's enthusiasm making even simple scenes feel exciting and unpredictable.
Young viewers get a kick out of the magical mystery of how Rusty keeps popping up, plus the chaos when Russ has to hide his younger self from coworkers like Janet and Kenny. The promise of getting a dog becomes a fun running gag, and kids root for Rusty to prove that being a kid matters just as much as being a grown-up.
The bond between past and present creates plenty of heart-pounding moments when Russ realizes he needs Rusty's help, and their teamwork to solve the time-travel puzzle keeps the energy high from start to finish.