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Parents' Guide to

Mom and Dad Save the World

By Tom Cassidy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

'90s family sci-fi has positive messages, fantasy violence.

Movie PG 1992 88 minutes
Mom and Dad Save the World movie poster

A Lot or a Little?

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

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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

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.

Movie Details

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