Common Sense Media Review
Not nearly as good as the TV show.
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Inspector Gadget
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is a disappointing adaptation of the beloved cartoon, suffering from poor acting, a weak storyline, and a departure from the original characters, which many felt made the film unwatchable. While a few younger viewers found it mildly entertaining or suitable for kids, the consensus is overwhelmingly negative, with numerous reviewers expressing that it lacks the charm and humor of the show.
- poor acting
- weak storyline
- not for fans
- mild entertainment
- cheesy humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
INSPECTOR GADGET, Disney's frenetic version of the popular 1980s cartoon, stars Matthew Broderick as the bumbling cyborg cop. This live action adventure begins with explosion that injures a security guard. Pretty scientist Brenda (Joely Fisher) rebuilds the injured guard using high-tech gadgets. With his new abilities and new name, Inspector Gadget takes on his first case -- trying to find out who was responsible for the explosion that nearly killed him.
Is It Any Good?
Despite some amusing special effects, the movie is shrill and charmless, featuring (attempted) comical violence and innuendoes inappropriate for young children. Only the renowned Disney marketing and merchandising machine could have turned a movie as routine and uninspired as Inspector Gadget into a $100 million blockbuster. At a slight 78 minutes (including 10 minutes of closing credits), it's both not enough and way too much, featuring a tissue-thin plot and a cacophonous barrage of hyper-kinetic special effects. Gadget is a virtual human Swiss Army Knife and some of the effects derived from that concept are amusing the first time, but after about the 30th time they become tiresome and desperate. Gadget fully earns its PG rating, featuring non-stop cartoon violence, and some smarmy sexual innuendo, and jokey pop-culture references that will go over the heads of most kids. The movie also boasts blatant commercial plugs for Disney as well as Coca-Cola, Skittles, and M&Ms candy. Skip this one, especially if you have a hyperactive child to begin with, and catch an episode of the old cartoon series instead.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this movie compares to the 1980s TV series on which it is based. Why do you think Penny, Gadget's young neice, is a great role model for little girls?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 23, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : June 3, 2003
- Cast : Joely Fisher , Matthew Broderick , Rupert Everett
- Director : David Kellogg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Robots
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : whacky violence/action, language and innuendo
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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