Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comedic violence, language, smoking in dated family comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Getting Even with Dad
What's the Story?
In GETTING EVEN WITH DAD, Ray (Ted Danson) and his friends, Bobby and Carl, are planning a heist. They're going to steal a bunch of rare coins and sell them for loads of cash. The only problem is that Ray has an 11-year-old son, Timmy (Macaulay Culkin). And he shows up at exactly the wrong moment. Will Ray choose money over family?
Is It Any Good?
Panned upon original release, this family comedy doesn't ever quite get off the ground. Yet, despite its dated characters, roles, and representations, there is a certain '90s charm to Getting Even with Dad, and by the time the end finally sorts itself out, most viewers will be happy that love and family win out. But of course, that was never in doubt and knowing this slows down the proceedings greatly.
Some viewers may feel impatient waiting through all the montages, silly side escapades, and the throwaway romantic plotline. The makers of the film surely wanted to showcase Macaulay Culkin and give him room to shine, but for some reason, he comes across as stiff here, unlike his carefree wildness in Home Alone. Ted Danson does well to embody the ex-con, Ray, but his two friends often come across as cartoonish (especially Carl) and unrealistic. Further, Theresa is underused, often told to dress and behave more "like a woman," and only deployed for a romantic plotline that thankfully goes nowhere.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in family comedy movies. Was the violence in Getting Even with Dad overly comedic? Was any of the violence too much?
Would you have taken the coins like Timmy did? What would you have done differently, if anything?
Did you find the movie funny? What was your favorite part?
Does the movie feel dated or is it still relevant? Why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 1, 2021
- Cast : Macaulay Culkin , Ted Danson , Glenne Headly , Saul Rubinek
- Director : Howard Deutch
- Studio : MGM Home Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Mild language
- Last updated : November 19, 2021
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