Clifford
When his brother asks him to look after his young son, Clifford, Martin Daniels agrees, taking the boy into his home and introducing him to his future wife, Sarah. Clifford is fixated on the idea of visiting a famed theme park, and Martin, an engineer who helped build the park, makes plans to take him. But, when Clifford reveals himself to be a first-rate brat, his uncle goes bonkers, and a loony inter-generational standoff ensues.
Insights
Plot Summary
A mischievous and immature young boy named Clifford, who is prone to elaborate lies and schemes, is sent to live with his uncle and aunt. While there, he causes chaos and upends their quiet lives with his wild antics. His uncle, a stern businessman, often bears the brunt of Clifford's pranks, leading to humorous and escalating situations. The film follows Clifford's attempts to avoid being sent to a juvenile detention center while simultaneously trying to get back to his parents.
Critical Reception
Clifford was widely panned by critics and audiences alike, with many finding its humor juvenile and repetitive. The film's premise and execution were largely seen as unsuccessful, contributing to its poor critical standing.
What Reviewers Say
- Relies heavily on lowbrow, slapstick humor that appeals primarily to very young children.
- The plot is thin and predictable, with character development being minimal.
- Martin Short's energetic performance is often cited as the film's only saving grace, though it's not enough to elevate the material.
Google audience: Audience reception for Clifford is generally negative, with viewers frequently criticizing its lack of substance, predictable gags, and overly childish humor. Many found the film to be tiresome and lacking in genuine comedic moments.
Fun Fact
The character of Clifford was originally conceived by actor Martin Short and producer Robert Simonds in the late 1980s.
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