Dennis the Menace
Dennis the Menace

Movie spotlight

Dennis the Menace

1987
Movie
118 min
English

While digging in his front garden, Dennis finds a big bone. To prove it's from a dinosaur, he persuades his father to invite an old buddy of him, Bowen Skyler III, who's a famous 'dinosaur hunter'. Being desperate for publicity, Skyler informs press and television... and starts a paleontologic dig in their front garden.

Insights

IMDb4.8/10
Director: David JohnsonGenres: Family, Comedy

Plot Summary

Young Dennis Mitchell, a mischievous but well-meaning boy, constantly causes trouble for his grumpy neighbor, Mr. Wilson. Despite his penchant for accidental destruction and elaborate pranks, Dennis's heart is usually in the right place. This film chronicles the ongoing comedic feud between Dennis and Mr. Wilson, highlighting the generational differences and the eventual, albeit begrudging, affection that grows between them.

Critical Reception

The 1987 film adaptation of Dennis the Menace was generally met with mixed to negative reviews. Critics often cited its predictable plot and slapstick humor as being too juvenile, though some acknowledged its harmless family-friendly nature. Audience reception tended to be more favorable, particularly among younger viewers who enjoyed Dennis's antics.

What Reviewers Say

  • Criticized for its simplistic and often tiresome humor.

  • Some found it to be a harmless, albeit forgettable, family film.

  • The performances were generally considered adequate but not particularly memorable.

Google audience: Google user reviews for this specific 1987 adaptation are scarce, making it difficult to summarize a consensus. However, general sentiment for similar family comedies of the era often points to a mixed reception, with some appreciating the lighthearted fun and others finding it lacking in substance.

Fun Fact

The 1987 film 'Dennis the Menace' was a direct-to-video release and is distinct from the more widely known 1993 theatrical film of the same name starring Mason Gamble.

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