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Parents' Guide to

Kindergarten Cop

By Kelly Kessler, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Terminator meets Mother Goose; lots of violence, profanity.

Movie PG-13 1990 111 minutes
Kindergarten Cop Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 12 parent reviews

Kathyebailey
Kathyebailey Parent of 13, 14 and 16-year-old
August 6, 2023
age 12+

Great film but for teens

This is definitely a movie for teens. It was one of the better written movies I’ve seen in a long time with a definite bad guy who gets it in the end. The bad guy is a psychopath and kills several people without remorse. But the character arc is so satisfying. It’s really heartwarming. I’m pretty strict about what I let my kids see and I felt the rating in here was actually a little too strict. I felt that the violence wasn’t as bad as it was made out to be, and neither was the sexy stuff. There was definitely language but not a ton. I seriously think this was a 5 star movie and me and my whole family were surprised by how good it was (I just saw it after 30 some years). I also felt like the rating of the characters saying there were no good ones here was wrong. The main character had a good character arc and the he theme was also good - do you want people to love you or fear you? Love is better. Great film.
Anisha L.
Anisha L. Adult
November 29, 2020
age 12+

Kindergarten cop

This movie is so great, but also intense

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 12 parent reviews

What's the Story?

John Kimble (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a kick-butt undercover cop on a mission in KINDERGARTEN COP, having 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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12 ):
Kids say (40 ):

The movie succeeds wildly in its attempt to soften an action star via the addition of his delightful relationships with captivating kindergarten kids. Despite its goofy premise, Ivan Reitman's thoroughly engaging film is filled with fine performances, a story that makes sense, and terrific comic timing. Reitman (and perhaps Schwarzenegger, too) must be adept at bringing out the best in children, because each and every one of them is delightful; twins Joseph and Christian Cousins as Dominic will melt your heart. And, in a surprising portrayal, Schwarzenegger parlays his brawn into compassion. Pamela Reed is impressive as a very funny cop with smarts and skills, and she's not afraid to look ridiculous either. Linda Hunt as the school principal and Penelope Anne Miller are wonderful as well. Overall, if audiences are old enough and wise enough to keep the over-the-top action and killing in perspective, the film provides suspense, great fun, and even a little romance.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about nonviolent conflict resolution with younger kids. 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.

  • Made in 1990, the character of policewoman Phoebe O'Hara was an important role model at a time when there were not many women police officers. Which qualities did she have that made her successful in her job?

  • Arnold Schwarzenegger was a major action star. Were you surprised by the gentle nature of his character here, Mr. Kimble, and what he learned about himself? How did this role change Schwarzenegger's image for audiences?

Movie Details

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