Common Sense Media Review
Madcap, mischievous Our Gang remake has potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Little Rascals (1994)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say that this film has sparked mixed reactions, with some finding it outdated and sexist, particularly criticizing its portrayal of gender stereotypes and uncomfortable themes for children, while others view it as harmless fun that captures childhood innocence despite its mild innuendos. Many agree that it’s best suited for kids aged 8 to 12, provided parents are present to discuss its content, viewing it as a nostalgic reflection of a different time in children's entertainment, albeit with some apprehensions about its messages.
- outdated themes
- gender stereotypes
- suitable for kids
- parental guidance needed
- mixed reactions
Summarized with AI
Based on 25 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Our Gang hasn't changed: Spanky (Travis Tedford) is calling together the gang for an emergency meeting of the He-Man Womun Haters Club to talk about the upcoming go-cart race. But their star driver, Alfalfa (Bug Hall), is breaking the club's first rule: "to be a he-man and hate women..." He's wooing Darla (Brittany Ashton Holmes) with his warbling songs. In trying to break the pair up, the gang accidentally sets the clubhouse on fire; then, local bullies Butch (Sam Saletta) and Woim (Blake Jeremy Collins) steal their prize-winning go-cart. To top it off, a new kid moves to town: Waldo (Blake McIver Ewing), a rich jerk who wears a suit and tie and has Donald Trump as a father (really).
Is It Any Good?
Our Gang was a classic -- a slapstick retelling of adult dating woes through the outlandish eyes of adult-ified kids. THE LITTLE RASCALS (1994) recaptures that essence with mostly positive results. There are some great Our Gang moments here, with many scenes resurrecting those hilarious physical comedy gags of the original series. Alfalfa sings "The Barber of Seville" while bubbles come out of his mouth, an homage to the original Little Rascals TV series. And the film retains the fast-forward chase scenes and images that lovers of the original will remember fondly. There are also some great cameos: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Whoopi Goldberg, Reba McEntire, Mel Brooks, Raven Symone, and Lea Thompson.
But children today may be confused by the references and some of the behavior. Everyone knows kids don't say things like "effrontery" and "Darla, you have the sophistication of a woman of 12" -- and they probably never did. But the kids in The Little Rascals did in the 1930s and continue to in the remake.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether the things they see in the movie can really happen. Can you put out a fire with water balloons? Can you really burp and fart bubbles if you drink dish soap? What should you do if you get into a dangerous situation like the Our Gang group does?
How does the movie use some of the slapstick moments that were regularly used in the original series?
What would be the challenges in adapting a series centered on young kids during the 1930s for contemporary audiences?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 18, 1994
- On DVD or streaming : January 20, 2004
- Cast : Brittany Ashton Holmes , Bug Hall
- Director : Penelope Spheeris
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some rude dialogue.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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