Kindergarten Cop - PG-13

The Terminator meets Mother Goose in this harmless comedy.

Rating: PG-13 for Violence, Language Studio: Universal Studios Directed By: Ivan Reitman Cast: Penelope Ann Miller, Arnold Schwarzenegger Running Time: 111 minutes Release Date: 12/22/1990 Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents should know that this film includes some violence and a very small amount of cursing. The villains are evil drug lords that commit murder. Both a woman and a child are put in physical danger, but are saved in the end by the main character.

If parents decide to allow their children to watch this film, they may want to keep an eye on very young or very sensitive children. The fight between separated parents for custody of the child may be disturbing for some kids, especially those of divorce. This may also be an opportunity to discuss nonviolent conflict-resolution with younger children. How do John's skills as a police officer help him maintain order in his classroom? Parents may want to reassure their children of their safety.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Kelly Kessler

John Kimball (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a kick-butt undercover cop who has been assigned to pose as the husband of a female cop/grade school teacher, a turn of events that forces him to shed his machine gun and trench coat for a sport coat and pet ferret. The enormous educator must identify a drug lord's missing wife and her son before he catches up with them. Filled with firepower, lines like, "It's not a tumor," and adorable children, KINDERGARTEN COP adeptly combines both the kiddie and action genre.

KINDERGARTEN COP succeeds wildly in its attempt to soften an action star via the addition of an adorable rapscallion. Despite the goofy premise, Ivan Reitman's (Ghost Busters [1984], Dave [1993]) film includes an engaging story and an array of likable characters and fine performances. Somehow Schwarzenegger (Terminator [1984], (Total Recall [1990]) parlays his brawn into compassion. (Perhaps just speaking more quietly makes him appear less daunting.) This film also includes fabulous female costars. Pamela Reed is hysterical as John's gluttonous partner, and Linda Hunt (The Year of Living Dangerously [1982], Ready to Wear [1994]) continues her unbelievable career as the hardnosed school principal. The film's low points lie with Crisp, the murderous father, and his evil mother. The villains lack the character development dedicated to the good guys. Overall, the film provides good clean fun coupled with a little violence and a lot of kooky kids.

Families that enjoy KINDERGARTEN COP might want to check out other family-friendly fare featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger such as Twins, Junior, and Jingle All the Way.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence The film begins with a murder and includes additional killings (of villainous family members). A child is put in jeopardy.
Language Some profanity.
Message
	Social Behavior Aside from the bad guys, the film features several positive role models. An aggressive, socially inept cop learns to work with others, care for children, and love. His partner is portrayed as a strong, intelligent female police officer.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Wine with dinner.