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Parents' Guide to

Life with Mikey

By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Dated '90s comedy has some language.

Movie PG 1993 91 minutes
Life with Mikey Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

LIFE WITH MIKEY was the name of the hit TV show Michael Chapman (Michael J. Fox ) starred in as a kid, Now, 15 years later, he's an irresponsible partner to his brother in their New York City talent agency for child actors. The character he'd played was a smart alec kid who got by on clever retorts, precocious observations, and an adorable smile. At 31, nothing has changed, except that his big brother and business partner Ed (Nathan Lane) is ready to shutter the agency if Michael doesn't step up. That's when Mike is pick-pocketed by the lovable 10-year-old moppet Angie (Christina Vidal), a seasoned liar who plays on the sympathy of her victims to extricate herself from difficult situations. Michael recognizes her talent immediately and signs her, then quickly books her for a series of major national commercials. She claims to have no legal guardian and insists on moving in with Michael in his filthy bachelor one-bedroom. Angie learns to be more of a little kid and Michael learns to stop being a little kid.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

This movie is likable enough but it covers no new territory and is mildly disappointing given the comic gifts of Fox and Lane and the artistry of the director, Tony winner James Lapine. Fox plays yet another of the selfish, fast-talking, wise-crackers typical of his resume in the 1990s, and viewers will wait patiently for the plot twist or character to come along to help humanize him by the story's end. Watching this cast breeze through the jokes is pleasant enough, but too many plot points strain credulity. In light of all the child labor laws, it's a stretch to ask us to believe an agency would sign a child without meeting parents or a guardian, or securing the proper paperwork.

Sexual politics of today make it hard to watch a scene in which an actress running lines in Michael's apartment is fighting off his kisses. She learns that he actually only represents child actors and that's why he's never gotten her a job. The revelation of his unspoken exploitation is downright creepy, a little reminiscent of current #MeToo accusations that used to be dismissed as mere "boys-will-be-boys" hijinks. Suddenly Michael seems unsavory and predatory, which some may find difficult to get past. The woefully underused Cyndi Lauper as a receptionist is the funniest thing in Life with Mikey.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about older comedies. Why do you think some of the humor in Life with Mikey falls flat now? How does what we consider to be funny change over time?

  • Why do you think Angie has developed such a tough exterior?

  • Michael seems selfish. How do you think his career as a child actor might have contributed to his strengths and personality flaws as an adult?

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