Kindergarten Cop (1990) User Reviews

A Film That Ages Well

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 18 January 2015]

A tough cop (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is given his most difficult assignment ever: to masquerade as a kindergarten teacher in order to find a drug dealer.

When this film first came out, it was panned by just about everyone besides Roger Ebert. Looking back 25 years later, Ebert was probably the only one who got it right. While not the greatest comedy, and certainly not a great action film, this movie has a certain charm that resonates beyond the typical demographic for Arnold's films.

The only thing that really ages poorly is the bad guy's hair. But, to be fair, his hair was probably considered atrocious in 1990, too.

Funny and entertaining

[gcd70 · 7/10 · 14 May 2007]

Very entertaining film about a cop who must go undercover as a kindergarten teacher in order to track down a killer.

Director Ivan Reitman, who delivers his best film since "Ghostbusters", uses Arnold Schwarzenegger brilliantly in this unusual role. Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed and Linda Hunt lend good support. This is an original movie that, although not full of surprises, keeps the drama and comedy perfectly balanced.

The children, who are, to Reitman's credit, not used purely to influence the emotions, are adorable and hilarious in a film that is definitely worth your while.

Friday, April 12, 1991 - Knox District Centre Sunday, May 12, 1991 - Greater Union Melbourne

"Kindergarten Cop" is still entertaining even the third time. It's a movie that makes you smile.

Saturday, November 2, 1991 - Video

Decent comedy

[ODDBear · 7/10 · 15 September 2005]

Arnie plays a bad ass cop who disguises himself as a kindergarten teacher in order to track down the ex-wife of a drug sleazeball to finally lock him up.

Arnie in a comedy. Well, it worked in Twins so why not do it again? Actually this time around he fares very well, balancing quite nicely his tough guy side (which we all love) and also his comedic side. His interaction with the children are hilarious and somewhat touching at times. Supporting cast do a nice job, particularly Reed as Arnie's partner and Hunt as his kindergarten supervisor.

Many critics found the level of violence to be a little excessive considering it's listed as mainly a comedy, but I don't agree. Sure, there's some violence near the end, but it's relatively toned down. I'd say this is good family fun.

Edgy, Funny, Romantic, Cute

[view_and_review · 7/10 · 30 December 2018]

A neat blend of rom-com, cop movie, and feel good story-Arnold Schwarzenegger goes for the trifecta in this classic. This gruff, violent, no-holds-barred cop named John Kimble has to transform his physical image and his personality in order to find the wife of a known drug dealer. His pursuit leads him to a kindergarten class in Astoria, Oregon where the tough and scary gives way to the cute and cuddly.

Not that this could have really happened it still made for a fun and sometimes funny movie. The kids were the real comedy because I've never found Schwarzenegger really funny. The movie ranged from edgy, to funny, to romantic, to cute and it displayed each adequately.

Kindergarten Cop

[RobTheWatcher · 6/10 · 11 May 2023]

Kindergarten Cop was a very fun and original comedy which uniquely blends genres together such as children, action, comedy and romance. It's definitely an underrated and forgotten about movie. It's pretty decent quality for a 1990 film granted there were some clear production and acting gaps throughout. But Arnold was the perfect casting for this role and he was hilarious throughout. A tough macho police officer having to go undercover as a kindergarten teacher to teach and baby sit kids was a golden idea. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie throughout and it was just a feel good watch. Definitely recommend.

For this cop, patience is a virtue, and he's running out

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 6 November 2021]

If Twins was a suggestion that Schwarzenegger can do comedy, then Kindergarten Cop is explicit proof. He goes from perp-busting to completely out of his depth in a classroom full of kids . . . And it feels like a natural move; nothing forced about it. Credit here to Ivan Reitman who knows what he's doing, but also to Arnold's chemistry with the tiny terrors; it is charming as hell. The surprise here is Pamela Reed, who holds her own as the staryu's unlikely partner, and has some of the script's best lines.

This is a heartfelt comedy with appeal for young and old alike; an expert use of a movie star's towering stature.

This is really, really great.

[buppy · 8 November 1998]

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed, Richard Tyson, and Academy Award winner Linda Hunt star in this action-packed, funny movie. Arnold Schwarzenneger is John Kimble who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher while investigating a case. Soon he falls in love with a teacher who's the ex-wife of his enemy. Now he's trying to protect his enemy's son who's also one of his students. This is funny and Arnold Schwarzenegger is really awesome.

Watched it because it got banned...

[MovieCriticOnline · 5/10 · 6 August 2020]

We now live in such a crazy world that this film is being banned from being shown in certain places because of it being pro police and patriotic.

What a shame, because it's a cute little movie. Obviously not a great movie, but fun for kids and if you're in the mood for a family friendly film.

Didn't expect it to be this great!

[pawanpunjabithewriter · 9/10 · 21 September 2020]

Action, Comedy, Crime + Family at its best. Arnold was amazing. Arnold self-centered this movie with his fabulous screen time and stunning action - The way Salman Khan centers his whole movie in Bollywood, difference here is better acting and more sense. It's very underrated. I never expected it to turn out this great. The kids are amazing, the comedy is consistent. The direction and cinematography is exceptional. Since it's 1990, picture quality takes a step down, but it didn't matter when we start concentrating on the movie with so much fun. I enjoyed it. I added the Twins in the watch list too after watching this.

There is no bathroom.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 7/10 · 27 August 2022]

'Kindergarten Cop (1990)' is pretty much exactly what you expect it to be, although its violence is perhaps a bit more graphic than necessary. Who'd have thought Schwarzenegger's greatest challenge would come in the form of a class of unruly kids? Placing such a stone-cold action star in a room full of innocent children is almost a stroke of genius, allowing for several genuinely funny sequences in which our hero tries to wrestle with his new undercover identity. Frankly, it's iconic; there are more than a handful of certifiably classic lines here. The flick is also quite sweet on occasion, allowing its protagonist to show his gentler side while still making him a certifiable bad-ass. It's a really enjoyable experience that does exactly what it needs to. It isn't complex, despite its wrinkles involving broken home lives and cold-blooded criminals, but it's a really fun time from beginning to end. Sometimes, all a film needs to do is make you smile.

two disparate tones too far apart

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 22 June 2015]

Police detective John Kimble (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is tracking stone-cold killer Cullen Crisp (Richard Tyson). He arrests him for murder. Detective Phoebe O'Hara (Pamela Reed) is assigned to be his partner. They track Cullen's ex Rachel (Penelope Ann Miller) to an Oregon kindergarten after she supposedly stole Cullen's millions and their son. O'Hara is sick and Kimble is pressed into undercover work as a substitute teacher looking for which mother is the former drug lord wife.

The setup is a bit too dangerous. The basic premise is to get Arnold into a kindergarten class. That is actually a very funny premise. He is hilarious with the kids. The problem is that it's also a violent crime drama. There's no way to bridge the two disparate aspects of this movie. It works as a comedy as long as Arnold's with the kids and nobody remembers the cold blooded killers lurking out there. Once the movie touches anything serious, the movie grinds to a halt.

Wasn't expecting it to work, but it did...

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 5 March 2011]

Kindergarten Cop was a surprisingly good film. I was not expecting it to work, and it worked so much better than I expected it to. Kindergarten Cop is a little overlong and the villains are perhaps a little too pantomime. However, the film does look lovely, and the score and soundtrack gives it its heart-warming sentiment.

The script also worked. It was funny, it was poignant and it was well-meaning, while there is also a heart-warming story, good direction and pacing and the action while sometimes intense is well-handled.

I was very surprised by the acting. Kindergarten Cop is not Arnold Schwarznegger's best film, but it does show that he can do comedy, and here he does do it well. He is suitably low-key and avoids being wooden as well. Penelope Ann Miller gives good support as well, and the chemistry between the two is convincing without taking over the film too much. The characters could have easily been stereotypical and unlikeable, but they aren't, instead they have a certain warmth to them, and this is including the kids.

Overall, not a comedy classic, but it works far better than it should have done. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Should be really bad but is actually really good

[Red-Barracuda · 7/10 · 14 August 2017]

Arnold Schwarzenegger hooks up with director Ivan Reitman once again, after their 80's smash hit Twins (1988) first highlighted the giant Austrian's talent for comedy. Like that one, this is a film that is so high-concept that you should be able to work out a large part of the plot just by looking at the poster. The film does one of those things that lots of comedies from the late 80's / early 90's did and that is set up a light-hearted comedy framework and then throw in a crime sub-plot into the mix. To this end we have Arnold playing a disillusioned cop who is trying to hunt down that other staple of the era – the criminal with a sharp suit and power ballad haircut. Arnie travels to a small town in Oregon where he knows that Power Ballad's ex-wife and son live. In order to find them he goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher. Needless to say, this unlikely primary school teacher gets into a series of toddler-related japes, while falling in love with Power Ballad's ex-wife who also works at the school. Before long things turn nasty when Power Ballad turns up and tries to steal his son back leaving Arnie with no alternative but to deal with this pony-tailed, suited-and-booted ponce.

This one shouldn't work but it does. Its story is almost charmingly moronic but it gets by on account of a highly likable and often somewhat hilarious performance from Schwarzenegger, who really can play comedy really well. He is ably supported by Pamela Reed who plays his partner who at one stage hilariously pretends to be his sister replete with amusing Austrian accent and Germanic gestures. Then of course there are the little kids themselves who are often very funny and who Arnie works extremely well with and has great chemistry. The result is a movie which transcends its paper thin basic idea and results in a genuinely charming chuckle-fest.

Been wanting this to see this film since i was a kid

[CinedeEden · 5/10 · 11 October 2022]

When I was younger I recall seeing this film playing over and over again in HBO Family and it was until maybe 15 years later i finally got around to watching this film I always wanted to see. Some context as i grew older I knew Arnold Schwarzenegger was our governor for a time here in California and know he was popular in the 80s/90s with the terminator franchise. One of the reasons I never got around to the film was lost of interest and time restraint because of work. Even during the pandemic I never got around to watching the film. Now with the review: this movie was ok. I did have high hopes going into the film and he wasn't even a teacher until like 48 minutes into the film. It was very fast paced and quotable lines this movie is definitely for the die hard fans and the ones who grew up with Arnold for the nostalgia.

An enjoyable blend of action and comedy as Arnie goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 17 May 2018]

Los Angeles police officer John Kimble has been after drug lord Cullen Crisp for years and finally arrests him after he murders a man who told Crisp that he's seen his estranged wife. Apparently when she left she took their soon and three million dollars and now she is living in Astoria, Oregon. Kimble heads north with partner Phoebe O'Hara; it is planned that she, as a former teacher, will go undercover at the local school to identify Crisp's son and thus his ex-wife who they hope will testify... they have no idea of the boy's current name and there are no decent pictures of him or his mother. Unfortunately Phoebe gets ill so Kimble must play teacher... how hard can it be? He soon finds out that six year olds are much harder to deal with than criminals! He must figure out how to deal with the children while trying to identify Crisp's family. Inevitable before long Crisp is bailed and heads to Astoria looking for his son.

One might think that because this is a comedy set in a kindergarten class it will be a family film suitable for all ages... it isn't. There are scenes of violence at the start and end as well as scenes of sustained threat to a child that are too intense for children. The sight of Arnie struggling with a class full of six-year olds is pretty funny; he does a fine job in the role. Pamela Reed also really impresses as his partner Phoebe. There are also notable performances from Linda Hunt as the school principal and Penelope Ann Miller as a fellow teacher who has a son at the school and provides a possible love interest for Kimble. The children of the class feel natural and provide many of the film's laughs. The identity of Crisp's wife and family aren't too obvious as there are a number of possibilities... that said when we do learn who they are it isn't a huge surprise. The early parts of the film, and its ending are the best; it did drag a little in the middle as Kimble gets control of her class. Overall I'd recommend this to Arnie's other films; just don't expect the action to be as full on as his earlier '80s films.

More Too It Than You Think

[damianphelps · 7/10 · 26 May 2023]

A transitional movie from Arnie that helped him expand his legions of fans to an even higher number of people. No longer just the action man Arnie could now deliver comedy, without needing the support of someone like Danny Devito.

Its not just for laughs though Kindergarten Cop does have some good action sequences to enjoy.

For the main part though its a comedy and a nice one at that. The kids are better than average and do a nice job of playing the straight man for Arnie's jokes.

Some classic moments that even the most hardened criminal would enjoy!

Watch it with Twins and you will be like 'I thought he was an action guy!!' :)

Surprisingly entertaining

[andromaro · 7/10 · 16 April 2023]

I have no idea how they pulled it off, but this movie that is supposed be trash really entertained me. I'm not saying it is great cinema technically speaking: if the plot made any sense it would last 5 minutes at best. However, if you accept that this is Hollywood to the core, man it delivers two hours of carefree entertainment.

Arnold is just hilarious, and the kids ensemble adds so much comicality to him. The romance is sweet, and "mistery" is not blatantly thin as one would expect from such a movie.

Sometimes a person doesn't want to see the meaning of life in a movie. If you want to spend a fine couple hours, I think this works decently well.

Reasonable entertainment

[bob the moo · 11 January 2004]

John Kimble is a lonely, driven cop who has been tracking drug lord Cullen Crisp for years. When he finally catches him, the case requires the testimony of Crisp's ex-wife who has disappeared. Kimble and his partner O'Hara follow the only lead they have to find the wife - the name of a school in Oregon where she has been seen. When O'Hara gets sick, Kimble has to fill in on his hardest undercover assignment yet - as a kindergarten teacher.

Looking back on it, this was one of several films that saw Schwarzenegger opening up his resume to become more than just an action star. Here the film plays on his personae as a tough guy (as all his comedies do), and it works pretty well all said. The plot mixes comedy and a thriller element reasonably well without doing either that well. The comedy relies on cute kids doing things and Arnold looking out of place in the school. While it is rarely laugh out loud funny, it is still inoffensive and amusing. The thriller element is average and never really convinces as bookends on a comedy.

While neither strand works that well, they both shine like stars when viewed next to a romantic subplot that at best is unconvincing and at worst is lazy and smaltzy. It is written with so much convenience and ease that it never convinces and the film stutters for it's inclusion. Schwarzenegger is OK in the lead role - he doesn't need a real comic touch here because he is just playing his usual role but in a different setting, that brings the comedy (such as it is) rather than his performance. Reed is cheeky and pretty funny, Miller is just quite plain and never really makes me believe the romantic subplot. Tyson is a pretty poor baddie, while Baker is just plain poor.

Overall this is a pretty average film that has just about enough going for it to be entertaining even if it doesn't really excel itself as either a comedy or a thriller. Some reasonable laughs and the chance to see the Governor of California sending himself up.

Kindergarten Cop

[jboothmillard · 5/10 · 9 September 2005]

From director Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Twins, Evolution), you might mistake this for a family film, and it is often shown in the middle of the day with violence and swearing cut out, it is shown very often in fact that I ignore it, but I do like it. Basically, Detective John Kimble (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a tough cop who has been trailing drug dealer Cullen Crisp (Richard Tyson) for years. Kimble tracks him down, but the only person besides the witness who can testify against him is his missing ex-wife. Crisp claims that his ex-wife Rachel stole millions of dollars before fleeing with her son. The only information Kimble has is the name of the school in Oregon that her son attends, Astoria Elementary School. Detective Phoebe O'Hara (Pamela Reed), who has teaching experience, is partnered with Kimble and is to go undercover as a substitute kindergarten teacher. However, when Phoebe falls sick with stomach flu, it is up to Kimble to step in and go undercover to find the child in question. The authorities agree also that when the mother is identified, she will be granted immunity in exchange for testifying against Crisp in court. On Kimble's first day, with no teaching experience whatsoever, the children are out of control, and headteacher Miss Schlowski (Linda Hunt) has seen many teachers leave kindergarten within two or three days. Kimble manages to calm them down bringing in his pet ferret, and then he uses his skills in police training and discipline, along with a whistle, to organise and behave the children. The children grow fond of Kimble as their teacher, and he also finds a love for teaching he never knew he had. He also slowly tries to work out which of the children could be Crisp's son. Meanwhile, he develops feelings for fellow teacher Joyce Palmieri (Penelope Ann Miller), mother of kindergarten student Dominic (twins Christian and Joseph Cousins). The witness, a drug user, is killed when using tainted cocaine supplied by Crisp's mother Eleanor (Carroll Baker), allowing him to be released and travel to find his son. Eventually, Kimble identifies Dominic as the boy in danger, and that Joyce is Rachel. He is forced to tell her the truth, and she is terrified as she knows that Crisp is dangerous and will come after them. Crisp and Eleanor track down the school, and Crisp causes a fire, forcing all teachers and children to evacuate. He manages to identify Dominic and kidnaps him, while Eleanor hits Phoebe with a car, and Kimble chases after them. Crisp tries to connect with his son, but Dominic is scared and tries to flee, before Kimble finds them. Crisp shoots Kimble and is about to kill him, but the ferret bites him on the neck, allowing Kimble to kill him. Eleanor also shoots at Kimble, but Phoebe rescues him by hitting her with a baseball bat. Kimble is injured and taken to hospital, along with Phoebe. Kinble recovers and makes a surprise return to the school; the children are happy to see him back, and he and Joyce kiss. Also starring Cathy Moriarty as Jillian, Sylvester's Mother, Park Overall as Samantha's Mother, Jayne Brook as Zach's Mother, Richard Portnow as Captain Salazar, Angela Bassett as Stewardess, Justin Page as Zach, Peter Rakow as Joshua, Beethoven's Sarah Rose Karr as Emma, Marissa Rosen as Samantha, Ben McCreary as Lowell, Miko Hughes as Joseph, Robert Cave as John, and Ben Diskin as Sylvester. Schwarzenegger gets most of the laughs being stressed or bossy, the support of Reed, Miller and Hunt is fine, Tyson and Baker are a bit pantomime as the villains, and of course the children are all cute and get most of the funniest lines. This probably could be a kids movie with most of the swearing, violence, and drug references removed (which usually hapens on TV), the thrilling moments are a little much, and the romantic subplot is okay, the best moments are Schwarzenegger's interactions with the tykes, overall, it is a fun enough action comedy film. Worth watching!

Underrated but truly entertaining movie

[Siddhartha14 · 8/10 · 9 June 2019]

Not sure why this movie is not rated more highly. I have loved this movie since its release. Sure, it's cheesy, but it's so hilarious and entertaining. Ah-nold is in classic comedy form and Pamela Reed is truly the icing on the cake. Delightful movie all the way around.

Classic

[sufyaanrashid95 · 7/10 · 3 May 2023]

"Kindergarten Cop" is a classic comedy from the 90s that is still just as entertaining today. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a tough cop who is tasked with going undercover as a kindergarten teacher to catch a dangerous criminal. The fish-out-of-water premise provides plenty of opportunities for laughs as Schwarzenegger struggles to adapt to his new role.

The child actors are also a highlight of the film, providing plenty of adorable and hilarious moments. Their innocent and carefree nature is a stark contrast to Schwarzenegger's no-nonsense attitude, which leads to some hilarious interactions.

Beyond the comedy, the film also has heart. Schwarzenegger's character learns valuable lessons about patience, empathy, and the importance of education. The film also tackles themes of family and loyalty, with the kindergarten class becoming like a surrogate family for Schwarzenegger's character.

The film's climax is filled with action and suspense, providing a satisfying conclusion to the story. The film also has a memorable soundtrack, featuring the hit song "I'm the King of the Castle" by B. W. Stevenson.

Overall, "Kindergarten Cop" is a fun and heartwarming comedy that has stood the test of time. Schwarzenegger's performance is charming and endearing, and the child actors are a joy to watch. The film's blend of comedy, action, and heart make it a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good movie.

A couple dozen laughs

[rebeljenn · 4/10 · 1 January 2006]

'Kindergarten Cop' is a romantic comedy film about a police officer who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher. One of his students has an abusive father, and there ends up being a showdown at the school. Meanwhile, Arnie's character has some on-screen romance with other teachers and mothers. It's an all-around enjoyable film with plenty of humour, but it is pretty predictable. The acting is not the best, but the children are adorable, and some of the funniest lines in the film were theirs. The romance also does not work the best, but don't expect a great film. It's worth a couple of dozen laughs, at least, but not much else.

Why the hate?

[briancham1994 · 8/10 · 19 June 2020]

This film seems to be looked down upon but I think it's main "flaw" - Arnold Schwarzenegger not doing great in a comedy - is actually its main advantage. His physique and personality simply stick out so much in this setting and it's hilarious.

Underrated comedy

[Horror-yo · 7/10 · 10 February 2017]

People judge (music, films, other people...) according to very strict, redundant criteria. There are very often way overrated films, films that aren't really special but that do fit the general consensus and criteria, or simply, the 'demand'.

But a lot more rare, are the underrated films such as this one. It's mainstream enough, the humor, the acting standard enough. It's got a highly recognizable face and lead character stereotype that America usually adores, a simple enough plot and development with morals, cute children and family values at the center of it... and to be honest, it does a pretty darn good job at what it sets out to do.

In a way, it's much better than what it "should've been".

And yet, the fan average barely scrapes over the 6/10 mark and the critics are just as snobby towards it but that's to be expected.

'Arnie' is charming and unintentionally/intentionally hilarious as ever, the film has simply monumentally cult quotes, it's fast, cute, fun, funny, and of course it's got that bit of hollow flavor towards the end where great movies usually shine most, but it's absolutely tolerable when we're given such a genuinely entertaining ride prior.

A well earned 7/10. Certainly underrated.

insultingly awful

[talllwoood13 · 3/10 · 7 September 2021]

The movie starts off with a disheveled cop named John Kimble. For this review I'm just going to say Arnold chasing after this dirty looking mafia guy with a wig that looks so fake I think that it's the biggest crime in this movie. I could be wrong but it looks like the same mall that a ton of movies in the 80s and 90s was shot in such as Chopping Mall from 1987.

I find a majority of this movie is way too convenient. I mean sure this isn't a thought provoking thriller or mystery movie and someone 10 and under is supposed to be watching this but it's just insulting. I don't think if I was 10 I would have enjoyed this and really the only people over 10 I feel who would are just nostalgic and how dare I make fun of their childhood.

Fun fact the school in this game heavily inspired the horror game Silent Hill the original on PS1.

I'll admit the banter most of the kids say came off as authentic. I wonder which one of the kids is the directors son if they have any. However getting Arnold to be a teacher that scenario is so silly I don't think in a million years a police officer could be a teacher so easily if not ever. Especially after punching the one kids father. But alright back to "BS land" everyone is far too trustworthy in this movie. I find it kind of silly how Arnold is like a drill sergeant to the kids. I'm sure the other teachers hate him every time that whistle blows.

There are some great shots of the scenery, I like all the mountains and all in the distance as well.

Other than a scene or two that red headed partner is not worth being in the movie other than some unnecessary filler. Thankfully she wasn't the love interest. I did not find her funny at all. In the beginning of the movie she is so unlikable.

Mr. Crisp I find it hilariously ironic that he sets the school on fire. However he is the most poorly cast one in the movie. He tries so hard to be like John Travolta in Pulp Fiction and other mafia roles but he comes off too nice. I mean sure it's a kids movie but he can't act to save his life. If he should have went to any school it should have been acting school along with half the cast (I do like Arnold though). It's almost creepy how obsessive his mother is. Mr. Crisp looks like he plays in a white snake or some glam rock band on the 80s in the same old greasy bar for beer tokens or like a burnt out art or gym teacher which is probably what I would have cast him as at best in this movie.

Although there was a few curve balls to throw us off to say this movie is too predictable. I found Dominic's mother blew her cover too easily. I also wonder how long it was for her to be a teacher as it takes some time to be even full time. But we got to give the movie some credit to make a believable situation. I would not have named the kid Dominic it's too obvious of course he has to have the mobster dad.

The plot is awful and I can admire Arnold for doing something different than being tight cast to action movies but this is just one of those movies where if it wasn't for Arnold I don't think anyone would have watched it. He's the fine line between this being a tv movie and a movie you'd pay to watch. Maybe a few cast changes and a re-write to certain parts of this alleged classic and I may have enjoyed it more than a 3/10.