The Kid *** (2000, Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer, Lily Tomlin) – Classic Movie Review 1054

Walt Disney’s loveable, charming 2000 life-crisis comedy is safely based on a decent screenplay by Audrey Wells, a writer and director known for Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), George of the Jungle (1997) and Shall We Dance (2004).

Bruce Willis is on good form in a change of pace from his action movies as rich LA image consultant Russ Duritz who one night surprises an intruder, who turns out to be a chubby eight-year-old kid called Rusty (Spencer Breslin) with an odd resemblance to himself. The boy’s identity sparks the duo’s journey into Russ’s past.

Russ’s secretary Janet (Lily Tomlin) and his lovely assistant Amy (Emily Mortimer), to whom Rusty takes a shine, look on with disbelief.

Ideal for adults as well as kids, this sweet family fantasy comedy is expertly handled by director Jon Turteltaub. Chi McBride, Jean Smart, Daniel Von Bargen, Dana Ivey, Susan Dalian, Stanley Anderson, Esther Scott, Deborah May and Juanita Moore in her final movie role as Kenny’s grandmother are in the smart cast.

Juanita Moore, the Oscar-nominated star of Imitation of Life (1959) and The Girl Can’t Help It, died at the age of 99 on January 1 2014.

© Derek Winnert 2014

Classic Film Review 1054 derekwinnert.com