The Kid (2000) User Reviews

No kidding - I loved it!

[Shiva-11 · 7/10 · 11 July 2000]

The Kid - At 39 years old Russel Duritz has a life that most men would envy - he has a great job, is respected (and feared), has a beautiful house and makes buckets of money. But everything comes at a cost, in this case no social life, no conscience and a fear of spending the rest of his life alone. He just needs someone to show him the way.

As I watched the movie, I kept wondering why Disney didn't pass this film on to Miramax - not because it's particularly daring or edgy, but because it is clearly a movie for adults. This is exacerbated by the marketing campaign which is clearly targeting children - it is lumped in with trailers for "Rugrats the Movie", and "Pokemon 2000" (aren't they passe yet?). But I quibble.

I was impressed by the sensitive treatment of the subject matter - rather than the typical male midlife crisis that involves some pathetic sap buying a Porsche convertible and acting like a moron, Willis' character undertakes some serious introspection and takes stock of his life. His guide on this journey of self-discovery is himself at age 8 (they never explain how Rusty arrives and frankly, I didn't care). Young Rusty's innocence and unbridled optimism give him a distinct advantage in divining the truth - he sums up Russell's job as an image consultant thusly, "You teach people how to lie and pretend to be something they aren't". In order for a good script to succeed, however, you need actors to bring it to life. Not a problem here.

Although Willis has thrice ignored W.C. Fields' warnings about starring with children or animals he has lucked out once again, meshing as well comedically with Breslin as he did dramatically with Osment. Willis manages to balance Russell's cutthroat powerbroker traits with vulnerability and confusion, without becoming ridiculous. Breslin meanwhile gives a dead on portrayal of a kid from everyone's childhood - the one that always stuck out for some reason and got picked on. We also get two bonus performances: Lily Tomlin is great as Russell's levelheaded assistant and Jean Smart is perfect as an insightful charming anchorwoman (I loved her in "Guinevere").

The Kid is charming, heavy, and real. And it will appeal to adults of all ages.

A Kid's Movie For People in Their 40s

[mintonmedia · 6/10 · 23 June 2000]

The surprise is not how good this film turns out to be. With Willis coming off of "Sixth Sense" and Jean Smart and writer Audrey Wells following up on the underappreciated "Guinevere", I suspected there just might be something going on here. The surprise is how what is being pushed as a Disney kid's film is actually a funny, moving and rather mature fable about losing touch with the child you were and the adult you wanted to be. The kids in the audience were restless. The parents were laughing...and a few even sniffling. Not a great film, but a darn good one, with a message that will probably go over the heads of anyone under 30.

I liked it more than I expected to

[mauricio-19 · 6/10 · 5 February 2001]

I saw this on a plane. You know, you are strapped to a chair and forced to watch whatever garbage they put up there.

And I have to say I actually had fun. Some scenes are sugary and over the top but the kid's performance is above average for children actors. Casting was perfect.

One thing though: the music is inappropriate, heavy-handed and sometimes ruins the scenes. It is like asking Richard Wagner to write for an intimate comedy. Very weird.

But I strongly recommended the movie to my mom. It is that kind of movie.

This could have been much worse

[philip_vanderveken · 6/10 · 27 May 2005]

When this movie was shown on television, it wasn't announced as "Disney's The Kid", but just as "The Kid", a movie with Bruce Willis, and that's probably a good thing. I'm pretty sure I would never have taped it if I knew this was a Disney movie, fearing that all the syrupy nonsense would be too much for me to handle. Still, I don't know what made me decide to give this movie a try when I saw the title in the beginning of the movie, but in the end I was glad that I watched it, because it certainly wasn't as bad as I feared it would be.

Bruce Willis is Russ Duritz, a wealthy L.A. image consultant who's about to turn forty. He's a cynical workaholic who has estranged from his father, who has no memories of his childhood and who doesn't have a girlfriend, a family or even a dog. One night he surprises an intruder, who turns out to be an almost 8 years old kid. But there is something strange about him. The chubby kid is named Rusty and has a lot of similarities with Russ. Soon they find out that Russ and Rusty are actually the same person. Together they make a journey into Russ's past to find the key moment that has defined who Russ is. How this is possible, what it all has to mean and how it will affect both their futures will only be clear at the end of the movie.

In a way this is a very typical and predictable Disney movie with it's rather innocent and naive look on life, but I guess it can be enjoyable for adults as well. It is all very recognizable and it is a nice fairy tale about losing touch with your inner child. It certainly isn't the best movie ever, but it is some decent and heart-warming family entertainment that offers some nice acting and a good story. I would say: watch it with an open mind and you'll see it isn't as bad as you feared. I give it a 6/10.

I was expecting superficial junk, but it was actually pretty good.

[grunin · 6/10 · 3 July 2000]

Turns out it's not really a kids' movie - it's the story of a guy's mid-life crisis - but my kids (9 & 4) didn't seem bored. There were a couple of scenes where I expected the worst kind of saccharine cliches, but they actually turned out okay.

Willis is above average, Lily Tomlin is basically perfect, and even the kid (Spencer Breslin) doesn't make you cringe.

As far as the writer (Audrey Wells), it was about as good as her 'The Truth About Cats & Dogs' and better than 'George of the Jungle'. It will appeal to people who liked director Turteltaub's other big films (Phenomenon, While You Were Sleeping, Cool Runnings).

Heartwarming revisit to childhood

[HotToastyRag · 7/10 · 25 June 2019]

After acting alongside child star Haley Joel Osment in the previous year's The Sixth Sense, Bruce Willis went on to make another movie with a child actor: The Kid. Don't worry, folks. This one is actually family friendly. It's a Disney movie!

Bruce stars as a rude businessman who's lost touch with his humanity. A freak accident happens, and Spencer Breslin shows up in his living room. It turns out, Spencer is Bruce Willis's character at eight years old. Obviously, he's there to teach his grown-up self a lesson or two, so he tags along with Bruce throughout the movie. These types of films are very smart, since they appeal to everyone. Kids like any movies with kids, teenagers usually like the adult star, and grown-ups always cry during movies about remembering and rediscovering childhood. These movies are usually more meaningful the farther you've gone from your happy youth, so depending on how miserable you are, you might need to stock up on Kleenex. I liked this one, because it's always nice to see Bruce Willis in a movie where he can show off his sensitive acting chops. Action movies are fun, but so is versatility. Keep an eye out for Emily Mortimer, Lily Tomlin, Jean Smart, and Juanita Moore in the supporting cast.

A wasted opportunity.

[movieguy-71 · 1/10 · 5 July 2000]

There are a few scripts like this one floating around Hollywood; this one is not even close to the best--just the first. This is all production value, no substance, but the Disney name probably will help it. A good idea, a wasted opportunity.

A Pleasant Family Movie

[Matt73 · 6/10 · 18 October 2000]

Well, Disney does it again! Here is another pleasant family movie, but with some adulthood flavor this time. Bruce Willis is surprisingly good here, Spencer Breslin is charming, but Emily Mortimer needs to brush up her acting a little bit. The dialogs are mostly funny, combined with some touching moments. See this movie, and you will find out why the moon looks orangish when it just rises...

Pretty Flubbery

[guyb · 1/10 · 29 April 2001]

The first few minutes showing the cold and crusty the Willis character were pretty enjoyable, especially with Jean Smart, but it really tanked after that. This is just hackneyed big man and little irritating kid stuff from way back with no innovation at all. I know that the casting probably picked this kid to show that Willis was just as irritating in his younger self, but I found this kid ESPECIALLY irritating and whinney.

For all the cynics out there.

[tzehoong · 8/10 · 27 March 2002]

"The Kid" is a movie that will touch the hearts of two groups of people - children and grown-up cynics. In the leading role is Bruce Willis, who in my opinion must be one of the most versatile actors around. He plays the part of the cynical jerk Russ very well :).For most of the movie you cannot help but to hate him as he constantly ridicules the weaknesses of the people around him, and love him as you somehow know that there's a tiny seed of kindness waiting to grow.

Emily Mortimer is extremely lovable as Amy, who works for Russ. Her acting is good, and I have to admit that I had to succumb to her cuteness- and I doubt anyone could help but to cheer her on through the whole story, she's so good as Russ's employee, who would like to like him, but gets shoved off every time she tries to be nice.

The story is fun and imaginative. Russ's eight-year-old self travels to the future to meet him as a thirty-nine year old. The young Russ doesn't think much of Russ's achievements (chickless, dogless...) while Russ doesn't want to remember that he was once an overweight, whiny loser.

Don't write it off as just another family movie thinking that you'll be able to predict the whole storyline. You won't. Sure, the guy gets the girl, and young Russ and old Russ grow to like each other and help each other out.

But as you watch the final ten minutes of the movie, as things start to get wrapped up, you will suddenly sit erect, brain churning, and when you figure it all out, you lie back, try to keep back the wide grin that is forcing itself on your face, give up, and say "Holy smokes!"

Not as bad as I thought

[Quinoa1984 · 6/10 · 14 July 2000]

I thought Disney's The Kid (using Disney to differentiate itself from the 1921 version) wasn't the best kid movie ever made, but it was definately better than I thought from the previews. It turns out this film is a version of Bruce Willis' film from last year, The Sixth Sense. The difference (and of course) is that while in the Sixth Sense looked at a kid who kept seeing dead people and only one person could help him out, this film as a man who is dead inside and only one kid could help. Still, both films deal with supernatural dealings and Bruce Willis. Sometimes funny, sometimes melodramatic, but usually OK. Not the worst, but not for all kids. B+

No kidding, what an awful movie!

[Catala · 1/10 · 21 July 2000]

After 15 minutes watching the movie I was asking myself what to do: leave the theater, sleep or try to keep watching the movie to see if there was anything worth. I finally watched the movie: what a waste of time. Maybe I am not a 5 years old kid anymore!

profound,amazing

[xuguodong · 13 July 2001]

I have been always wondering "Can one truly explain the meaning of life in less than two hours?" And here I got the answer after watching this movie for 3 times. This is certainly one of the greatest films I've ever seen. Disney tries to make the film in an interesting and lovely way so it can appeal to both the kids and the adults. But what lies behind the film by far beyond the comprehension of a normal kid. Here, let's first look at how other comments put it: `The movie starts by completely neglecting even an attempt at explaining how 8-year-old Rusty shows up on 40-year-old Rusty's doorstep" But this is not true. Actually the film made a hard work demonstrated how Russ (Willis) --a successful image consultant and a rich jerk was haunted by the hallucination of a flying plane which was actually the same kind of a model given to him by his father as a present. Here Audey Wells present all the viewers a question as a shrimp in the later plot suggested it: you're having hallucination for a reason and you need to figure out what that reason is.But at that time, the film is not in a hurry to explain the reason. Later on Ross's hallucination got stronger and he even imagined a boy intruded into his house. Even more the hallucinated boy lead him to an old drome. From there Ross's dream or more accurately the psychiatric journey of exploring himself began. That exploration filled most of the film till the 8-year-old Rusty disappeared on the same drome (notice only at that time Russ's clothes changed back to the sleeping pajama). The main part of the film (that's what I called the exploration) centered on the questions that had puzzled Russ these days: What's wrong with him? Why he always said somebody call the Ouaaaaaaaaambulance? Why he had a twitch? What happened from being little Rusty and becoming Russ? What will be supposed to do with the relation with Amy? And finally what he will be doing in the later time of his life? The film did an excellent job in explain all these questions. Evenmore it raised another question: Is Russ really a loser? Here Jean Smart said something very inspiring: I mean how many of us grow up to be astronauts or prima ballerina? We just all do the best we can. This film presented the normal theme of midyear crisis in a swift and clever way without lacking of provoking thought.The main character especially Bruce Willis and Jean Smart worked very well to helped achieve visual effect as well as the profound theme.Russ got the answer and know what to do next, what about us?

Better Than I Thought

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 5 April 2006]

I really wonder about Bruce Willis. He's such a tough guy, but he seems to have a soft underbelly. Because of these two qualities, he is nicely cast in this film. It's a movie about second chances. It's a movie about reconciliation. It's about facing the things we were always afraid of. Willis's character is successful in a financial way. He doesn't seem very happy, however. For whatever reason, he is suddenly thrown together with his younger self, an obnoxious but charming kid who is able to see his own weaknesses, and blames his adult self. It sounds terribly complex but we get the hang of it pretty quickly. There are a series of pivotal moments in life when things could go different ways and that's what the focus is. If we were given another opportunity, what would we do? Everyone must think this at some point. The byplay between Willis and his young companion goes from confrontational and whiny to precious and kind. It works pretty well. It was much better than I thought it would be. One downer was the obvious commercialism and product placement. It is rampant in this movie.

Doesn't quite work, but the film does have some humorous and touching moments

[inkblot11 · 6/10 · 6 July 2007]

Russ (Bruce Willis) is a hotshot "image" consultant. He flies all over the country, advising business folks about how to improve their profiles in the minds of the American public. Because he is such a busy guy, he has no time for a personal life. His secretary (Lily Tomlin) caters to his every wish and his work colleague, Amy (Emily Mortimer) ties all of the loose ends in his business dealings. One day, as he is approaching his fortieth birthday, he goes home to find a young boy (Spencer Breslin) at his posh apartment. It's not long before Russ realizes that this chubby kid is himself at a far earlier age. Calling himself "Rusty", the kid has quite a bit to say about Russ' current life, which includes no dog, no wife, no junk food, and no relaxation time. Will the older Russ get the message and find a way to take his life in a different, more positive direction? This film is a fairly successful family film, even though it doesn't quite work smoothly. The story goes in one direction and then turns abruptly into another direction completely, making the overall ride a bumpy one. The cast, however, is not to be faulted at all, as Willis is terrific and Breslin, Tomlin, and Mortimer do very fine jobs as well. The costumes, sets and production techniques are all quite wonderful, too. At its heart, the movie is very similar to a more successful film called "If you believe", although The Kid is told from the male perspective, not a female one. In short, if you like Willis, cute kids, family films, and/or happy endings, here is one for you to try. Although you may not ultimately put the film on your list of movie favorites, it is a pleasant enough affair for an evening of light-hearted fun.

Not what it appears to be...

[rds93 · 7/10 · 11 July 2000]

The company...Disney. The title... "The Kid". This conjures up images of your child dragging you to the movie abyss for 2 hours. The truth is, you child will probably be bored, and you'll be in for a surprise.

Much of what is happening in this movie will go right over childrens heads, but will entertain you.

Willis comes out at the onset, as a character that you're wondering if you need to like to get through this movie. His ability to play a character with an edge, serves him well in this film.

Lily Tomlin, was great as a "assistant with an attitude", and well matched against Willis's rough character.

This is a movie that shouldn't be passed up. It probably won't be a blockbuster, but don't let the rental get by you. And by the way, plan on renting something else for the kids, it's just not what they will expect it to be.

I'd give it a 7.

Bruce Willis can always be counted on to entertain.

[notlehs · 7/10 · 17 July 2000]

This movie was just flat entertaining. I love that in a movie. It was funny, and the performances were very lively. The plot and dialog were totally Disney, but that isn't a bad thing. I love these types of Fantasy Disney Flicks.

Bruce Willis is so good. I have never seen him in a movie I did like at least a little bit.

Director Jon Turteltaub does an excellent job as well. This is a movie which could have gone very wrong, but was kept on task my good directing.

I gave it a 7 of 10. A very good score, for a very entertaining movie.

Starts Off Cute, Then Gets Ugly

[ccthemovieman-1 · 3/10 · 1 April 2007]

Like a lot of movies involving little kids, this starts off "real cute" and likable...and then, after about a half hour or so, becomes the reverse.

That's certainly the case here in this time-travel story (which I usually love) where an adult meets a kid who his really him at the age of eight! Great premise and a great lead actor in Bruce Willis, but.....

The kid "Rusty" is a smart-aleck and whiny brat and Willis Rusty grown up now as "Russell" gets abrasive with his constant yelling. That is entertainment? No, thanks.

Young Breslin has gone on to become a very good child actor, being involved in a number of films including "The Cat In The Hat" opposite a more famous child actor: Dakota Fanning.

Overall, a disappointing film, especially with all the good press this movie got when it was released.

The Kid In Us All...

[JackReese · 8/10 · 9 July 2000]

When the first trailer for this film was viewed by myself, I was curious as to what angle the storyline would take. After all the plot of having one's childhood self return to the present leaves open many options. Bruce Willis however does a superb job in the role he was given. I was surprised to see just how well he could act in this part. This is also a good career move as many others have said but after seeing it I now agree. This film is mainly about remembering the kid you used to be, and coming to the realization that you aren't the adult you planned to be. This is a wonderful story and a gripping tale that makes us all think. Usually we scorn at "What if..." movies. For example, Waterworld attempted to answer the question "What if the world were to be covered with water and...?" But truthfully, nobody cared. This movie however effects everyone in the theatre. True, young children may not fully grasp the idea of growing up and having all your dreams fizzle away, but it leaves a great impact on the adults and parents of those children. This movie is definitely worth seeing. Although, it will be better the second time around because you won't be thinking so much (about how the kid got there, and why and all that stuff) Just relax and have fun. And take something with you when you leave that cinema. Take that piece of your childhood you've forgotten and enjoy it.

Feel Good Family Comedy From Disney

[bsmith5552 · 7/10 · 14 August 2001]

As a word of explanation, Disney's "The Kid" has absolutely nothing in common with the Charlie Chaplin 1921 classic of the same name. What we do have is a pleasant enough, though unbelievable, feel good family comedy as only the folks at Disney can provide.

Bruce Willis, in a change of pace, plays a self-centered stuffed shirt of an "Image Consultant". He degrades, not only his clients, but those close to him as well. You know that he is going to have to change before the final credits.

Into his life comes a chapter from his past in the form of Willis' character as a nerdy 8 year old played with cutesy pie conviction by Spencer Breslin (Disney always finds these kids somewhere). This forces Willis to come to grips with his past and well..you know the rest.

Appearing as Willis' love interest is Emily Mortimer and Lily Tomlin as his Executive Assistant. Both have little enough to do as most of the movie involves the inter-action between the Willis and Breslin characters.

"The Kid", though not the greatest of Disney movies is one nonetheless that you can sit down and watch with your family and come away from with a warm feeling.

Pure drivel.

[Grumpypheasant · 1/10 · 22 January 2011]

Let's be honest: the only reason this isn't in the bottom 100 is because it's a "feel-good inoffensive family movie".

It's drivel, but inoffensive drivel, and that's why moral guardians rate it so highly.

The plot is so cheesy and so replete of holes it could be sold as Emmental, the kid character is thoroughly annoying, the message simplistic and deluded, the rare humour juvenile and the romance trite and conceited, the tone patronising.

Frankly, this is the kind of movies everyone should find offensive. This movie is a gargantuan insult to the viewer's intelligence, and that should be considered a lot more offensive than any on-screen violence or nudity.

Disney's got another hit..

[Jdc102 · 13 July 2000]

The Kid, is a very original Disney Movie. I think that Bruce Willis is great in this, so is Spencer Breslin(He reminds me of "Chunk" from Goonies) and the rest of the cast. I guess what I liked about this movie is the concept. It was very original and it worked. I hope this movie does good at the box office because I think people would really enjoy it.

Sort Of "Big" Meets "It's A Wonderful Life"

[sddavis63 · 7/10 · 29 July 2001]

An entertaining and touching story from Disney features Bruce Willis in a pretty good performance as Russ Duritz, a high-powered image consultant who is somehow mysteriously visited by his eight year old self (played by Spencer Breslin), and who, as a result of the visit, starts to learn a little bit about what he's wasted and how his life could be different.

I tuned in expecting this to be funnier than it turned out to be, but it wasn't a disappointment. It's really quite a charming fantasy - easy to watch; sometimes humourous; sometimes emotional. It perhaps lacks originality (as my heading suggests) but - especially if you want to watch it with your kids - it's well worth the 1:45 or so that it takes.

Not a blockbuster, but enjoyable enough, and I've rated it as a 7/10.

Willis and Spencer save it

[movieman_kev · 6/10 · 27 October 2005]

Bruce Willis is Russell Duritz a wealthy and popular image consultant who apparently needs to get in touch with his inner child, or rather the kid he was decades and decades ago. Luckily said kid (Spencer Breslin) shows up out of the blue one day to help his older self out. Filled with saccharine sweet moments and female characters that come off as ditsy morons. Willis and little Breslin single handedly shave this film from being completely unwatchable Bruce through sheer charm and personality alone and Spencer with his "Aw schucks" factor. Although it's still not a very good film, Disney DID drop the ball when it came to advertising the film which led to it not being as popular as it could have been if properly marketed.

My Grade: C+

DVD Extras: Commentary With Director Jon Turteltaub & Spencer Breslin; Behind The Scenes Featurette; a Conversations With Jon Turteltaub; Theatrical Trailer and Trailers for "Disney's Dinosuars", "Lady & The Tramp 2: Scamp's Adventure", "Toy Story 2", "Fantasia 2000"

somebody call the Ouaaaaaaaaambulance....

[Mickey Knox · 6/10 · 19 December 2000]

The Kid is a funny film that brings us a Bruce Willis in a totally new kind of role for him. Bruce is an adult without a wife or family, without becoming what he wanted, but very very rich. Oh, and also without a dog. Everything's normal til one day a kid enters his house. Who? The adult at the age of 8. The kid hepls Bruce understanding the real values of life and manages to change him into a better person.

Bruce plays for the first time in a film like this. He's great as Russ, the rich guy in search for the "better he". But the MVP of the film is definetely Norman Spencer, the kid. He is adorable. And most of all, he acts very very well.

Still it's predictable and the ending is not as good as i expected. Also a few questions remain unanswered.

All in all, The Kid is a good comedy, for both kids and adults, a family movie that will make you think. Think about your life, what you've accomplished.

Vote: 6.5 out of 10.