Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the action scenes are kept cartoonish. The male Hendersons are avid hunters -- Grandpa Henderson owns a gun store and his son works there. Also, Mr. Henderson holds up a rabbit he's just killed as his son cheers; citizens arm themselves and go on hunting parties to kill Bigfoot. There's no blood and no one gets shot, but lots of guns and ammunition are shown. There are a few scuffles and minor fights. Some adults and one child swear, using many versions of "s--t."
Families can talk about the legend of Bigfoot, and the variations of Bigfoot from around the world. Do you think it's possible that such a remarkable creature could remain undiscovered? If undisputable proof of Bigfoot's existence was finally uncovered, what are some of the things we might learn? Do you think what the Hendersons experienced could really happen? Some of the characters schemed to make money by capturing and exhibiting Harry the Bigfoot. How do you feel about that, and how does it compare to zoos? The circus?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ellen Dendy
The Henderson household turns upside down with the arrival of humungous houseguest Harry in this entertaining family comedy. After accidentally mowing down a real live, really smelly Sasquatch, the Henderson family believes the strange creature is dead. In complete shock, they tie it to the top of their station wagon and head home.
Tucked away in the Henderson's suburban home, the Sasquatch revives and goes on a mad hunt for anything that fits his vegetarian diet (by the looks of it, many houseplants were sacrificed in the making of this movie). When dad George Henderson (John Lithgow) comes face-to-face with the enormous, wild creature, his instincts kick in and at first he considers shooting the Bigfoot to save his family. But Harry, as the Hendersons end up naming him, proves to be an intelligent, gentle being. And once the family comes to love him, they realize they must save him from those who would do him harm.
Determined to help Harry, George visits a local expert (Don Ameche) with ties to a ruthless hunter named Jacques LaFluer (David Suchet) whose life-long dream is to bring in a Bigfoot, dead or alive. The Hendersons can't keep Harry hidden forever, and when word gets out that a Sasquatch is roaming loose, the entire town is up in arms. Hunters stock up on ammo, and it seems that everyone wants to shoot poor, innocent Harry. With the odds against them, the Hendersons must make sure their new friend returns to the safety of his forest home.
A comedy at heart, this movie offers some touching scenes and powerful messages in between rollicking action scenes, slapstick gags, and sharp one-liners. Harry bonds with each member of the Henderson family -- especially precocious (and occasionally foul-mouthed) 8-year-old Ernie (Joshua Rudroy) -- and the Hendersons unite in their mission to save their newfound friend.
Most of the action is cartoonish, but there is definitely some suspense when the hunters go after Harry. And for those against hunting, the story loses some of its enjoyment. Otherwise, HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS is pure family comedy wrapped up in a wild adventure story.
Families who like this film may also enjoy these E.T., Free Willy, and the 1985 sci-fi film Explorers starring Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix.
Rate It!
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ViolenceMost action is cartoon-like; minor fighting but no blood. Some of the main characters are avid hunters, and there are plenty of scenes with guns and shooting, but no blood. |
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LanguageLittlest Henderson cusses ("holy s--t," and "sucks"); adults use "s--t-load," "s--tless," "bulls--t," "hell," "goddamn," "Christ's sake," and "bastard." |
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Social BehaviorThe Henderson family tries to save Harry from being killed by hunters or put on display. The story is set in an area where hunting is common/popular. The Henderson family bonds are strengthened in the end. |
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