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Mean-spirited and hopelessly short on comic invention, Problem Child is a particularly unpleasant comedy, one that's loaded with manic scenery chewing and juvenile pranks. Read critic reviews

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Problem Child Photos

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Movie Info

Ben (John Ritter) is a good-hearted guy who's always wanted a son of his own, but so far he and his wife have had no success. The couple adopt Junior (Michael Oliver), a redheaded hellion who quickly makes their lives miserable. Disaster follows Junior wherever he goes, from camping trips that require emergency-room visits to birthday parties that turn into Grand Guignol affairs. When Ben's incensed family tells him to get rid of the boy, he starts to wonder if they might be right.
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    comedy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Dennis Dugan
  • Producer:
    Robert Simonds
  • Writer:
    Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $53.5M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

John Ritter
Ben
Michael Oliver
Junior
Jack Warden
Big Ben
Gilbert Gottfried
Mr. Peabody
Amy Yasbeck
Flo
Michael Richards
Martin Beck
Peter Jurasik
Roy
John William Galt
Warden
Dennis Dugan
Director
Robert Simonds
Producer
Scott Alexander
Screenwriter
Larry Karaszewski
Screenwriter
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Critic Reviews for Problem Child

All Critics (29) | Top Critics (9) | Rotten (29)

View All Critic Reviews (29)

Audience Reviews for Problem Child

  • Jul 01, 2012
    Awful, uninspired comedy about a brat, this is one of the worst comedies I had the misfortune of seeing. Poorly written, acted and directed, this is a film that never was funny to begin with. I never understood why this film was a hit, as it is painful to watch. I found the film to be very unfunny, and the lead child actor was really annoying and unfunny. The film tries too hat delivering effective gags, and it fails because the material just doesn't cut it. In terms of a good comedy, this film doesn't even come close as being a funny film. The cast make it a horrible film, and the directing is unfocused and sloppy, that's to be expected from a Dennis Dugan film. This is comedy at its lowest form. A tiresome, boring film that is just painful to watch, Problem Child is a misfire of a film, one that never should have been made in the first place. The script has its limitations, and it constantly shows on-screen. If you're looking for a funny film with this one, you'll be sadly disappointed. I despised everything about this film, and I thought it was bad from start to finish. The film didn't even have potential of being a good comedy. This is one of those films that just has nothing good going for it. You should definitely avoid it, and watch a funnier film than this. This one scraps the bottom of the barrel, and it's too flawed to work. Avoid it like the plague. Annoying and never funny, this has got to be one of the worst films in the genre. I think it's a shame that celluloid was wasted on trash like this.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • May 06, 2011
    Fun. But, the real problem is the screenplay.
    Lucas M Super Reviewer
  • Apr 11, 2011
    Not as good as I remember it being when I was younger. John Ritter was still the man though.
    Christopher H Super Reviewer
  • Apr 08, 2011
    This was one of those movies which I thought was funny for the type of movie it was. I probably wouldn't watch it again but it was worthwhile to see once.
    Sarah P Super Reviewer
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