The Kid

2000

The Kid

Critics Consensus

Critics find The Kid to be too sweet and the movie's message to be annoyingly simplistic.

49%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 98

49%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 60,611
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Movie Info

If you could talk to the child that you used to be, what advice would you give him? That question forms the basis of this comic fantasy. Forty-year-old Russ Duritz (Bruce Willis) is a wealthy and powerful "image consultant" who has made a career out of telling people how to present themselves. But while he's a success in business, he's a failure in life; he's vain, mean-spirited, and hasn't been able to hold onto a marriage (or even a pet dog). One day, Russ is startled to meet Rusty (Spencer Breslin), a stocky kid whom he soon realizes is himself at the age of eight, having passed through a wrinkle in time. Young Rusty doesn't seem much happier than the grown-up Russ, so the older man takes his younger self under his wing and tries to teach him how to avoid the mistakes he's made, while Rusty encourages Russ to be a more caring human being. Along the way, Russ and Rusty become friends, and realize how much they can learn from each other. Disney's The Kid also stars Jean Smart as one of Russ' clients, Lily Tomlin as his assistant, and Daniel Von Bargen as his father. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Cast

Bruce Willis
as Russ Duritz
Spencer Breslin
as Rusty Duritz
Emily Mortimer
as Amy
Lily Tomlin
as Janet
Jean Smart
as Deirdre Lafever
Dana Ivey
as Dr. Alexander
Chi McBride
as Kenny
Juanita Moore
as Kenny's Grandmother
Esther Scott
as Clarissa
Deborah May
as Governor
Vernee Watson-Johnson
as Newsstand Cashier
Jan Hoag
as Newsstand Tourist
Melissa McCarthy
as Sky King Waitress
Elizabeth Arlen
as Gloria
Alexandra Barreto
as Flight Attendant
John Apicella
as Hot Dog Vendor
Brian McGregor
as Vince
Reiley McClendon
as Mark
Daniel von Bargen
as Sam Duritz
Susan Dalian
as Giselle
Stanley Anderson
as Bob Riley
Steve Tom
as Lawyer Bruce
Marc Copage
as Lawyer Jim
Rod McLachlan
as Lawyer Seamus
Scott Mosenson
as Wedding Guest
Brian Fenwick
as Governor's Aide
Dusan Fager
as Governor's Other Aide
Toshiya Agata
as Sushi Chef
Joshua Finkel
as Josh
Lou Beatty Jr.
as General Manager
E.J. Callahan
as Principal
Daryl Anderson
as Janet's Husband
Darrell Foster
as Best Man
Michael Wajacs
as Security Guard
John Travis
as Chef Mike
Larry King
as Himself
Jeri Ryan
as Larry King's Guest
Nick Chinlund
as Larry King's Guest
Stuart Scott
as Himself
Rich Eisen
as Himself
Harold Greene
as Himself
Kevon Edmonds
as Wedding Singer
Julia Waters
as Backup Singer
Maxine Waters
as Backup Singer
Stephanie Spruill
as Backup Singer
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Critic Reviews for The Kid

All Critics (98) | Top Critics (26)

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Audience Reviews for The Kid

  • Sep 10, 2009
    Russ Duritz (Bruce Willis) is a successful, but not so happy image consultant. Something might change for him when his 8-year-old self visits himself. That means that Russ gets to see what he was like when he was 8, but what could this lead to? I've always thought that Bruce Willis was a great actor in all of his movies, especially when it comes to the action ones such as the Die Hard series. I don't know what kind of movie most people would put "The Kid" in, but I thought it was a mix between comedy and drama. Bruce Willis proved in "The Kid" that he can be just as great of a comedy actor as he can in action ("Die Hard") or any other kind of film such as "Mercury Rising" and "The Sixth Sense." There were several parts such as when Bruce Willis had a nervous breakdown, that had me laughing out of control. Not only is "The Kid" a hilarious movie, it also has a sort of deeper meaning to it that I'll let you find out for yourself. I know in ways I wish I could see a younger version of myself and learn more about the ups and downs of my past that I don't remember. If you've got any kid left in you or if you just want to see a great movie, do yourself a favor and purchase "The Kid." NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2001. One of those handful of Disney movies you've never heard of, that isn't a cartoon, but is awesome.
    Jason O Super Reviewer
  • Oct 27, 2008
    Positives: Bruce Willis plays a pretty amazing role. The entire reason this movie can be called semi-sucessful. It has a lot of funny part's and the plot is interesting enough too keep you glued through out the movie. Negatives: The supporting actors were never really that good. Spencer Breslin was a nice touch but at this point he still was not that great of an actor - he was okay, but like most child actors, partially annoying. The movie's ending was touching but also has some missing strings. There's parts that are simply left unexplained and may have you wanting some answers. Overall the movie is a typical Diseny Film with an expected cast and ending. The unexpected is the twist in the storylines that keep it interesting. It's funny, interesting, and worth watching. If your a kid - probably worth having but it's not the next diseny classic.
    Bobby H Super Reviewer
  • Jul 05, 2008
    Ok, so we've seen this general idea before, but this movie still hits the mark with a well-executed variation of this theme. Bruce Willis deserves credit for his versatility in this big-hearted family film. This is one of the more underrated films out there, so I say put it near the top of your queue of family films (for older kids and adults) to rent.
    Richard F Super Reviewer
  • May 26, 2008
    Great Family Movie and Very Funny
    Amanda . Super Reviewer
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