Common Sense Media Review
Comic strip-based comedy has peril, scary villain.
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Dennis the Menace
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mix of humor and darker themes that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. While some find it funny and heartwarming, many reviewers caution against letting little kids watch it due to the presence of adult references and instances of violence.
- slapstick humor
- inappropriate content
- varying age suitability
- mixed audience reactions
- parental guidance recommended
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In DENNIS THE MANACE, 5-year-old Dennis is on summer vacation from school. Dennis loves to get into trouble and play pranks. After various babysitters find him too challenging, Dennis' parents turn to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson to watch their difficult child when they need to go out of town for work. A burglar named Switchblade Sam (Christopher Lloyd)) breaks in to steal Mr. Wilson's gold coin collection. Dennis becomes a hostage. Can Mr. Wilson save the day?
Is It Any Good?
Instead of painting Mr. Wilson as a meanie in this unexceptional movie, 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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 would be the challenges in updating a 1950s sitcom to a modern audience?
The screenplay of this movie was written by John Hughes, who also directed Home Alone. What similarities do you see between this movie and Home Alone, or perhaps even other movies John Hughes directed?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 25, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : October 2, 2002
- Cast : Christopher Lloyd , Lea Thompson , Walter Matthau
- Director : Nick Castle
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : comedic mischief
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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