Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
'90s family sci-fi has positive messages, fantasy violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mom and Dad Save the World
What's the Story?
In MOM AND DAD SAVE THE WORLD, galactic evil ruler Tod Spengo's (Jon Lovitz) plan to destroy Earth is sidetracked when he spots suburban mother Marge (Teri Garr) and kidnaps her with a plan to marry. Marge and husband Dick (Jeffrey Jones) must break free and save Earth before Spengo can carry out his plan.
Is It Any Good?
This fun early '90s sci-fi comedy adventure puts a couple of parents in the lead roles. But thanks to Mom and Dad Save the World's invention, pacing, and silly humor, kids won't mind tagging along for the ride too. Garr is a hoot as the confident, kind and sometimes no-nonsense Marge. Equally, the transformation of Jones' Dick is a joy. He goes from a brow-beaten sad guy to the liberator of a planet and reinvigorated husband who is happier, confident, and with purpose. This mom and dad leave the planet in a better state than when they got there and through kindness, improve everyone's lives. Well, everyone except the evil ruler, Spengo. Lovitz throws himself into the role, embracing the character's preposterous pomposity and making all his scenes hilarious. From his ridiculous array of wigs to his slimy demands, he proves a great villain, showing how power can corrupt.
The overall look of the movie is a cross between Flash Gordon and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. But it works! The garish sets and alien puppetry lend a tactile feel to the environment. The movie's surreal tone and silly humor has a direct Monty Python's Flying Circus influence. Python's Eric Idle even features as an unhinged toppled king left to rot in a dungeon and plays the role perfectly Pythonesque. Unfairly dismissed as a flop, this fun family adventure is well worth a watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different character strengths promoted in Mom and Dad Save the World. What examples of perseverance, courage, empathy, communication, and teamwork can you give from the movie? Can you think of a time when you've demonstrated these traits?
Discuss the violence in the movie. Did the fantasy and comedic elements reduce the impact? If so, why? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How did Emperor Tod Spengo rule his planet? Did he learn any lessons along the way?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 24, 1992
- On DVD or streaming : August 30, 2005
- Cast : Teri Garr , Jeffrey Jones , Jon Lovitz
- Director : Greg Beeman
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate