Dennis the Menace (PG, 1993)

common sense media says

Contrived movie is not true to its origins.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although the hero is 5, this movie comes with caveats for those who are squeamish or easily scared. Also, parents should know that the contrived story is unnecessarily sinister, neither true to its comic-strip origins nor suitably updated.

Positive messages: All the female characters wear dresses only. Margaret is obsessed by girlish things, such as turning the boys' fort into a house with curtains. Some bathroom humor and mean-spirited gags.
Violence & scariness: When Christopher Lloyd takes his lumps, the result is a bloody, swollen face. Dennis is kidnapped by a hobo.
Sexy stuff: Dennis and his pals discuss how babies get into a mother's stomach (the mother's belly button opens up so the baby can enter). Dennis tells Mrs. Wilson how his parents "wrestle" on Sunday mornings, by themselves and with their shirts off.
Language: Mr. Wilson says the initials "G-D" out loud when he's really upset.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Dennis the Menace

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the relationship between Dennis and Mr. Wilson. Why can't they get along? How do you get along with someone who is difficult?

What's the story?

What's the story?

In DENNIS THE MANACE, 5-year-old Dennis is on summer vacation from school. After various babysitters find him too challenging, Dennis' parents turn to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson to watch their difficult child.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Instead of painting Mr. Wilson as a meanie, director Nick Castle makes him more complex -- the frustrated victim of Dennis's childish literal-mindedness. Matthau brings lovable grouchiness and wince-inducing pratfalls to the role, setting the stage for Dennis and Mr. Wilson's inevitable reconciliation. A 4-year-old was puzzled by the sometimes good, sometimes bad behavior of Dennis and Mr. Wilson. For her, the most easily understood character was the menacing Christopher Lloyd, a sinister scene-stealing presence. Despite the violence, the 4-year-old liked his scenes best, because she could cheer for Dennis and hiss at his enemy without feeling confused.

A 7-year-old relished this depth of characterization, and watched Dennis with a knowing smile, shaking her head over his innocence and wrong-headedness. The set-up and delivery of jokes are geared to this age group: Dennis helpfully refills a nosedrop bottle with mouthwash, and refills a mouthwash bottle with bathroom cleaner. Enter Mr. Wilson, who uses his nosedrops and mouthwash before bedtime. Older children will delight in every spill Mr. Wilson takes.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Nick Castle
Cast: Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Walter Matthau
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 94 minutes
Theatrical release: June 25, 1993
DVD release: October 2, 2002
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: comedic mischief

This review was written by Kimberly Olson Fakih
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

the name is carlos
kid, 11 years old
 
HORRIBLE
dennis's babysitter and some guy are making out on the couch!!!!!!!!!!!YUCK

perfectionist
teen, 15 years old
 
great slapstick comedy. more pf a kid movie

musicfan789
teen, 14 years old
 
everyone should see it
I loved this movie i cracked up thru the whole thing i think it is great for all ages and everyone should see it

Jers_song
parent of 17 year old
 
Find another movie for your young ones.
The review also forgot to mention the babysitter making out on the couch scene. Parents should also note that if they watch it, their kids are eventually going to watch it. Thus when it comes to violence and sexual content, you should only watch things you would want your children to watch.

so watever
teen, 14 years old
 
a great movie but kinda inapreat for the age it's aimed at.
this movie is funny and little kids will luv it. And there is way to much vilonce and Denis knows way to much about sex and stuff for a five year old. and the bad thing this movie is aimed at toddelers when the movie is not for them. ON for 8 off for anyone under that age.

fredder
kid, 10 years old
 
hey mr.wilson
Hey Mr.Wilson!!our favorite little boy is here,in a movie.Dennis is off from school,bored.and he does not want to be bossed by margaret. then he goes over to mr.wilson's house.he makes am lot of mischief.then most bad stuff is in the end.lioyd did a good job as a bad guy.there is not any really bad stuff,but the bad guy steals an apple,has a real bloody face.and a knife gets sticked in the bad guy's butt.also see pranks.dennis says how babys come out,and say how dennis'smom & dad wresle.this movie is aimed at older kids.

SockyChibi<3
kid, 12 years old
 
Family Movie with a little violence.
In one scene, Dennis shoots a bullet in Mr. Wilson's throat. I thought this was really disgusting, MOST PEOPLE FIND IT FUNNY, BUT IT ISN'T!!!

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age