Getting Even With Dad (1994)
Average Rating: 3.5/10
Reviews Counted: 28
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 27
Overly formulaic and tonally inconsistent, Getting Even with Dad tries for a sentimental conclusion it doesn't earn and winds up a slapsticky cash grab aimed at fans of Home Alone.
Average Rating: 3.7/10
Critic Reviews: 12
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 12
Overly formulaic and tonally inconsistent, Getting Even with Dad tries for a sentimental conclusion it doesn't earn and winds up a slapsticky cash grab aimed at fans of Home Alone.
liked it
Average Rating: 2.4/5
User Ratings: 17,331
Movie Info
A criminal trying to reform is forced to endure the most humiliating punishment of all -- hanging out with his son -- in this family comedy. Ray Gleason (Ted Danson) is a thief whose ambitions far outstrip both his skill and his intelligence; Ray is just bright enough to have realized this, and he's decided to go straight and open a bake shop (he learned how to decorate cakes during his last stay in prison). However, Ray needs to raise some working capital, so in association with his buddies
Jun 17, 1994 Wide
Mar 6, 2001
MGM Home Entertainment
Cast
-
Macaulay Culkin
Timmy Gleason -
Ted Danson
Ray -
Glenne Headly
Theresa -
Saul Rubinek
Bobby -
Hector Elizondo
Lt. Romayko -
Gailard Sartain
Carl -
Sam McMurray
Alex -
Kathleen Wilhoite
Kitty -
Dann Florek
Wayne -
Wil Albert
Docent -
Scott Beach
Wino -
Ron Canada
Zinn -
Jerry Carlton
Foreman -
Charles Dean
Policeman at Church -
Karen Kahn
T.V. Anchorwoman -
Joe Lerer
Bus Driver -
Jarion Monroe
Ticket Seller -
Barbara Scott
Dog-Walking Mother -
Syd Walker
Mr. Wankmueller -
Cheryl Lee Morrison
Leggy Blonde -
Ralph Peduto
Chapman -
-
Sam Horrigan
Boy on Subway
ADVERTISEMENT
All Critics (28) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (1) | Rotten (27)
The new summer movies don't get much more formulaic than this bald attempt to capture the audience that can't wait to see the next three or four installments of Home Alone.
This seems to be the work not of screenwriters but of Hollywood marketing executives who believe movies are popular because they tell audiences what they want to hear.
It's all a bit smug and suspect.
Tone: Home Alone-style slapstick with occasional (almost random) heart-tugging.
Neither Macaulay Culkin nor Ted Danson has improved his luck in selecting projects with this schizophrenic comedy.
The script is formula and so is the direction, which leaves the acting.
Top CriticThe feeble attempts at verbal and physical slapstick are so lacking in humour that they're embarrassing for both the players and audience.
Howard Deutch is a proficient enough second division director, but here he allows sentimentality to run riot, and the awkwardly ageing Culkin (approaching adolescence) no longer possesses the mischievous charm of old.
The film's greatest liability is Culkin, grown awkwardly out of his Home Alone cuteness into a Stepford Child star.
When toddlers are tipping the punchlines, it's time for rewrite.
Culkin is Culkin, cute and malleable, absolutely empty, absolutely precious, absolutely irritating.
It can't decide whether to be a mushy valentine to the dad-son relationship, masculine style, or a not-very-clever comedy.
A charming, amusing comedy for the whole family
Yeah, the one with Macaulay Culkin and Ted Danson. Avoid at all conceivable cost.
Culkin's performance here is so lethargic that he seems to bring the entire production down.
Audience Reviews for Getting Even With Dad
Super Reviewer
Super Reviewer
Movies Like Getting Even With Dad
Discussion Forum
What's Hot On RT
New Desolation of Smaug trailer!
Naomi Watts is Princess Di
Gravity sets new record
Trailer for a squirrely heist flick
See what's on TV tonight
Latest News on Getting Even With Dad
June 13, 2005:
Hensleigh Heads Over to the "Darksiders"Writer/director Jonathan Hensleigh ("The Punisher") has been enlisted by New Line to bring...
Fresh Links
Featured
Halloween Movies For Wimps
Scary movies too scary for you? Here are some alternatives for October 31st.
10 Best Superhero TV Shows
HitFix combs through TV history to compile a superpowered list.
Ridiculous Movie Mistakes
RollingStone proves even the best movies miss a details here and there.
Deadly Movie Kids
Moviefone lists 11 Movie Kids Who Could Kick Our Asses.
50 States, 50 Movies
For July 4th, TimeOut has compiled 50 state-specific movie choices.
Promos
Follow RT on Twitter!
Spice up your feed with hourly Tomatometer updates!
Featured on RT
- NYFF: Joaquin Phoenix and James Gray talk The Immigrant 1
- Box Office Guru Wrapup: Gravity Stuns with Record $55M Launch 37
- Primetime Preview: Witches of East End, Once Upon a Time and More 2
- Weekly Ketchup: Disney Plans Live Action Cruella de Vil Movie 36
- Primetime Preview: Last Man Standing, The Neighbors and More 5
- Critics Consensus: Gravity is Certified Fresh 68
- Parental Guidance: Gravity and Parkland 3
Top Headlines
