Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

When the Rose family's mother leaves for an extended overseas trip, she hires a seemingly sweet elderly woman to care for her five children. However, after the "babysitter" dies on the job, the eldest daughter, Sue Ellen, must take charge. To maintain the illusion that everything is fine and avoid her mother sending them to different foster homes, Sue Ellen concocts a plan to keep the family afloat and the secret hidden, even resorting to fabricating a job for herself.

The film was a moderate box office success, playing on the themes of suburban ennui and teenage rebellion. While it garnered a cult following over the years, contemporary reviews were mixed, often citing its outlandish plot and reliance on teenage tropes, though Christina Applegate's performance was frequently highlighted.

• Praised for its dark humor and Christina Applegate's energetic lead performance.
• Criticized for a ludicrous premise that stretches credibility.
• Seen as a quintessential 90s teen comedy with a quirky, memorable twist.

Google audience: Audiences often find the film entertaining for its campy premise and nostalgic 90s vibe, with many appreciating the humor derived from the dire situation the teenagers find themselves in.

The film's tagline, 'This summer, the kids are in charge,' became a memorable part of its marketing, emphasizing the shift in parental authority depicted in the story.