Help Wanted: Kids

A struggling family man, desperate for income, takes a job as a camp counselor, only to find himself surrounded by a group of mischievous and cunning children. The kids, led by the sharp-witted "Ring Leader," decide to "help" their new counselor by orchestrating elaborate schemes and elaborate pranks, often with unintended and chaotic consequences. As the counselor tries to maintain order and succeed in his job, he must contend with the children's constant scheming and his own dwindling sanity.

Help Wanted: Kids was generally met with a lukewarm reception from critics, who often cited its predictable plot and formulaic humor. While some appreciated its lighthearted approach to family comedy and the performances of its young cast, others found it to be a less than memorable entry in the genre. Audience reception was similarly mixed, with many viewing it as a harmless, if somewhat unsophisticated, children's film.

• Praised for its innocent, family-friendly humor and the energetic performances of the child actors.
• Criticized for a thin plot and relying too heavily on slapstick and predictable gags.
• Considered a lighthearted, albeit forgettable, children's movie.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, but general sentiment suggests it was seen as a typical 1980s kids' comedy, with some finding the children's antics amusing and others finding them to be a bit tiresome. It is generally regarded as a straightforward and inoffensive family film.

This film marked one of Bridget Fonda's earliest on-screen roles, appearing in a minor supporting part.