The Gumshoe Kid
The Gumshoe Kid

The Gumshoe Kid

1990Movie98 minEnglish

Originally bound for Harvard, Jeff joins the family detective business to save his mother and sister from eviction. He learns the ropes quickly when a gangster hires him to find out if his bombshell fiancee is two-timing him. Shadowing her every movement - and eyeing her every curve - Jeff lands in real hot water, not to mention a hot shower, when thugs kidnap her lover and try to get him. Now they're both on the run - from the mob, from the police (who might be working with the mob), and from his mother (who might pose the biggest danger of them all)!

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Insights

IMDb5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes25%
Metacritic48/100
Google Users65%
Director: Robert BorisGenres: Comedy, Crime, Mystery

Plot Summary

A young, ambitious detective, eager to prove himself, takes on a seemingly straightforward missing person case. However, his investigation quickly spirals into a complex web of deception, double-crosses, and quirky characters, forcing him to question everything he thought he knew about the city's underbelly. He must rely on his wits and a cynical, aging private eye to navigate the dangerous streets and uncover the truth before it's too late.

Critical Reception

The Gumshoe Kid received a lukewarm reception from critics, who found its plot convoluted and its humor hit-or-miss. While some appreciated the nostalgic nod to classic noir films and the performances of its veteran cast, many felt the film lacked originality and failed to deliver a satisfying mystery. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some enjoying its lighthearted take on the detective genre and others finding it forgettable.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film attempts a charming throwback to classic detective stories but gets bogged down in a predictable and messy plot.
  • Performances, particularly from Tony Curtis, provide some entertainment, but they can't salvage the uneven tone.
  • Ultimately a forgettable entry in the crime-comedy genre that doesn't quite live up to its potential.

Google audience: Audiences found 'The Gumshoe Kid' to be a somewhat amusing but ultimately unremarkable comedy-mystery. While some viewers enjoyed the playful banter and the efforts of the cast to bring a classic detective feel, many felt the story was weak and the jokes didn't consistently land. It's generally viewed as a decent time-waster rather than a standout film.

Fun Fact

Tony Curtis, playing a seasoned detective, was reportedly inspired by his own experiences and observations during his early career before he became a major star.

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