Common Sense Media Review
Silly but occasionally scary movie has lots of peril.
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Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 34 parent reviews
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say that while the movie can be funny and entertaining, it also contains some intense moments and sad scenes, particularly involving a beloved ant. Reviews indicate that it features strong family themes but may not be suitable for younger audiences due to its mild violence, moments of peril, and some inappropriate content.
- family themes
- appropriate for older kids
- mixed emotional reactions
- moments of peril
- humor and silliness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS gets rolling when quirky inventor Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) accidentally shrinks his kids, Amy (Amy O'Neill) and Nick (Robert Oliveri), as well as neighbor teen Russ Jr. (Thomas Wilson Brown) and tween Ron (Jared Rushton). Faced with giant insects and other perils such as lawnmowers and sprinklers, the four kids must rely on their stamina and ingenuity to survive a day and night in a now over-large world.
Is It Any Good?
Two-dimensional characters play second fiddle to the visual effects of this adventurous action comedy. In Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, the gizmos are fun and plentiful, and Moranis does what he can with the all-too-familiar role of "nerdy," misunderstood inventor Wayne. Moranis is actually more endearing and low-key here than many viewers may be used to seeing him, in part because he isn't given that much to do and also because he's the most sympathetic character the film has to offer. Even with imperiled kids riding bees or dodging giant water drops, it's hard to muster up enough enthusiasm to root for the would-be heroes.
The film's real disappointment isn't its low-budget-looking special effects––they're fun in their cheesy way––but its ham-handedness in dealing with the story's emotional aspects. There's no life to the budding romance between two teens from opposite sides of the fence, and the idea of an ant befriending four tiny humans provides a few unintended chuckles. Suffice it to say that if a shrinking machine could not only shrink stuff but repair shaky marriages and reconcile family strife with the flip of a switch, somebody would have invented that switch by now.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' inventor dad, Wayne. What do you think of the film's depictions of him? Do they challenge or reinforce stereotypes about people who are into science? Do you like the subjects Wayne is passionate about? How might you handle your science projects with more responsibility than he demonstrates?
How are teens in the 1980s depicted in this movie? How are they similar to and different from the way teens are depicted in movies today?
If this movie was remade today, how would the special effects be different?
How do the characters demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 23, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : October 8, 2002
- Cast : Marcia Strassman , Matt Frewer , Rick Moranis
- Director : Joe Johnston
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic intensity
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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