Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic '80s fix-it comedy has some mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Money Pit
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this slapstick comedy offers a mix of humor and adult themes, showcasing a couple's chaotic experience of renovating a decrepit house with plenty of comedic pratfalls and some sexual humor. While many viewers found it hilarious and a classic, some criticized the maturity of the content, making it less suitable for younger audiences.
- slapstick humor
- adult themes
- mixed reviews
- renovation chaos
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Tom Hanks plays Walter, an entertainment lawyer living in a fabulous Manhattan apartment with his girlfriend Anna (Shelley Long), a classical musician. When Anna's ex, an egotistical conductor (the stunning dancer-turned-actor Alexander Godunov) returns from abroad, the couple loses their place. Unluckily for them, their realtor finds them a gorgeous mansion upstate. The house, they find out, is anything but a steal -- it's literally crumbling to pieces, usually on top of Walter and Anna. As they begin the laborious but process of fixing up the house, anything that can possibly go wrong does, from Walter missing the house inspector because he's stuck in a hole in the floor to Anna getting attacked by a raccoon living in the dumbwaiter. In between all of the construction mishaps, Walter and Anna's relationship ends up needing some improvements as well. Will they survive their money pit or crumble like their old foundation?
Is It Any Good?
Whether or not you're a fan of broad comedies, you won't be able to keep from laughing out loud in this one, especially since Hanks proves a genius with the physical humor. Nowadays, with the exception of the occasional romantic comedy or animated character, Hanks tends to star in big-budget dramas or action thrillers. But as all but the youngest of moviegoers know, in the '80s Hanks was a comedian extraordinaire, starring in laughfests like the home-improvement comedy THE MONEY PIT. This being an '80s comedy, the happy ending is all but guaranteed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about persevering despite many obstacles. Anna and Walter take turns bemoaning the purchase of their new home. How does the home improvement project change their relationship? Was buying the house a risk that paid off?
How did you feel about the way Walter handled the contractor groping Anna? What do you wish would have happened? Do you think that scene would be in a more modern movie?
Kids: Would you want to live in the Money Pit house?
Is there any evidence here that the comic Hanks would end up to be a big Oscar winner?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 26, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : February 4, 2003
- Cast : Alexander Godunov , Shelley Long , Tom Hanks
- Director : Richard Benjamin
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 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