Honey, I Blew Up The Kid Parent Guide

Wayne Szalinski, the crazy inventor played by Rick Moranis, is at it again, only this time with opposite results. As Szalinski fights to maintain control over his latest invention, his two year old son accidentally becomes the target of his growing machine.

Although this film is predictable, it holds the attention of adults and children very well. As Moranis tries various ideas to bring his problem back down to size, you can’t help but wait this one out to see how he will manage. Unfortunately, at times you seem to do more waiting than laughing because the writing has some weak moments.

In other areas it has a lot going for it. Even though Diane Szalinski (Marcia Strassman) is married to a rather strange inventor, there is a good relationship between them. She respects her husband, and although at first angered by the situation, she jumps right in to try and help.

Szalinski’s son is a bit of an egghead, too. And he likes one of the most popular girls in school. To make a long story short, in the end he gets the girl, but he doesn’t change to do it. He is just himself. On top of that, he respects his father, and supports him. It’s good to see his type of character portrayed in this way, and it demonstrates the importance of just being who you are.

The “big” effects in this film are very good, and the giant kid is believable.

Although far from being a classic, Honey, I Blew Up The Kid offers very worthwhile viewing for young and old, and shows that entertainment can be combined with worthwhile ideals.

About author

Rod Gustafson

Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. His efforts also include writing and researching media in all its forms and observing how it effects society and culture. He and his wife Donna have four children.