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Parents' Guide to

Dennis the Menace

By Kimberly Olson Fakih, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Comic strip-based comedy has peril, scary villain.

Movie PG 1993 94 minutes
Dennis the Menace Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 7+

Based on 5 parent reviews

age 8+

Probably not suitable for toddlers, but VERY funny to watch!

This is one of the best movies that ever makes me laugh without fail. Scenes including the robber being defeated and the mum's co-worker being caught in a photocopier and her facial expressions showing up on the photocopied pieces of paper - they give me a right giggle!

This title has:

Too much sex
1 person found this helpful.
age 7+

The Dennis Menace!

Classic 90s young kids slapstick comedy based on the old comics. Thanks to AVGN I remember few things from this movie.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much consumerism

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (22 ):

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.

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