Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageDon't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991)
Director: Stephen Herek
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
This isn't just another teen movie. Mom is notable only for her absence, packed off for two months to Australia. That leaves 17-year -old Sue 'Swell' Ellen, her brothers Kenny, Zach and Walter, 6-year-old Melissa, and a little old lady who is clearly some sort of serial babysitter. 'TV rots your brain' she wheezes menacingly, before Kenny's satanic bedroom brings on a coronary. Once the 'sitter' has snuffed it, the kids opt to fend for themselves, and elect Swell as their breadwinner. So far, so predictable. But this is a sassy little comedy of wit and intelligence from the director of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. As Swell, Applegate is appealing and resourceful, while Coogan's dope-head Kenny contributes to a wonderfully dry, on-going marital spoof. Getz is the unctuous boardroom chauvinist to a tee, and Cassidy rounds off the picture's relaxed Cosmo-feminism as Swell's scatty boss.Author: TCh
Cast & crew
Director: Stephen Herek
Producer: Robert Newmyer, Brian Reilly, Jeffrey Silver
Cast: Christina, Applegate, Joanna Cassidy, John Getz, Josh Charles, Keith Coogan, Concetta Tomei, Kimmy Robertson, Eda Reiss Merin full cast
Genre(s): Comedy
Duration: 105 mins
Top Stories
Ridley Scott interview
Director Ridley Scott tells Cath Clarke why he's making a science fiction comeback
Cannes Film Festival 2012: half-time report
Dave Calhoun reports on the hits, misses and a shocking new masterpiece from Michael Haneke
What do you think?
Post your review now