Problem Child

1990

Problem Child

Critics Consensus

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.

0%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 29

41%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 55,937
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Movie Info

A yuppie couple adopt an angelic-looking little boy who proves to be an unholy terror in this slapstick comedy. The demonic brat goes out of his way to cause as much trouble as possible, and the fact that his adoptive father remains understanding and loving only makes his behavior worse.

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Cast

John Ritter
as Ben Healey
Michael Oliver
as Junior
Jack Warden
as Big Ben Healey
Amy Yasbeck
as Flo Healey
Gilbert Gottfried
as Peabody
Michael Richards
as Martin Beck
Peter Jurasik
as Roy
Charlotte Akin
as Lorraine
Philip Hjin
as Mr. Yangita
Adam Anderley
as Catcher
Eiichi Edward Kawanbe
as Mr. Mitsui
Eli Cummins
as Umpire
Josef Kolb
as Kid No. 5
Vince Davis
as Clown
Valerie McCaffrey
Dennis Dugan
as All-American Dad
Nancy Nayor
Anna Marie Allred
as Kid No. 3
Robert A. Anderson
as Boy in Chair
Cody Beard
as Second Baseman
Jordan Burton
as Kid No. 1
John S. Davies
as Paramedic
Adam Anderly
as Catcher
Justin Elledge
as Freddy
Eric Elterman
as All-American Boy
Ward Emling
as Mr. Henderson
Corki Grazer
as Sister Mary
Vernon Grote
as Guard No. 2
Garland Hampton
as Serious Boy
Helena Humann
as Mother Superior
Philip Jhin
as Mr. Yangita
Judy Jones
as Anchorperson
Melody Jones
as Sister Abigail
John William Galt
as Warden
Danny Kamekona
as Mr. Hirohito
Eiichi Edward Kawanabe
as Mr. Mitsui
Colby Kline
as Lucy
Joseph Kolb
as Kid No. 5
Hugh Lampman
as Master of Ceremonies
Ellen F. Locy
as Nun No. 2
Kristen Lowman
as Mrs. Henderson
Joshua Martin
as Shortstop
Melissa Renee Martin
as Friend No. 2
Julie Anne Mayfield
as Harriet
Andrea McCall
as Rich Lady
Willie Minor
as Guard No. 1
Ron Miranda
as Juan
Shepler Mobley
as Friendly Woman
S. 'Monty' Moncibais
as Prisoner
Norma Moore
as Sister Samantha
Abby Newman
as Friend No. 1
John O'Connell
as Psychiatrist
Kristy Lynne Patrick
as Kid No. 2
Florence Schauffler
as Mrs. Perkins
Eric Poppick
as Dr. Strauss
John Rainone
as Circus Clown
Martin Rayner
as Ringmaster
Dennis Redfield
as Cameraman
Symone Redwine
as Friend No. 3
Lico Reyes
as Pedro
Florence Shauffler
as Mrs. Perkins
Shaun Shimoda
as Kinjo Hirohito
Garry Smith
as Angry Little Person
June Foray
Josh Stoppelwerth
as Kid No. 4
Al Trejo
as Policeman
Alex Utroska
as Kid in Dugout
Kerry Von Erich
as Neo Natzi
Jack Willis
as Regular Joe
Ed Yeager
as Jim O'Conner
Jessica Zucha
as Serious Girl
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Critic Reviews for Problem Child

All Critics (29) | Top Critics (8)

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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