On K List of Movie Reviews
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Kindergarten Cop (1990)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
2/24
2/24:
Kindergarten Cop is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's best films.
It was a smash hit in 1990-91, and everything still holds up well. The story is strong while the action is never mindless.
There's a reason why John Kimble had to go to Astoria, Oregon, and be an undercover teacher. The supporting cast is impressive:
Pamela Reed, Penelope Ann Miller, Richard Tyson of
Two Moon Junction fame, Carroll Baker, Linda Hunt, and Christian
and Joseph Cousins as Dominic.
The rest of the kids are all right but merely serve as background fodder. One nice thing about Linda Hunt as the principal
is that oftentimes people in her position can be meddlesome in the worst way possible and thus ruin the
film but it never happens with her. Hence, Kindergarten Cop goes through rather easily.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the right choice given his massive physique but still has a hard time with little kids.
As a result, he made a successful transition from action-adventure to comedy which began with
Twins. Arnold has
nice moments when he's teaching discipline. There are no scenes that are stupid or gross-out; they're typical of what a
kindergartner will do or say. The only question which went unanswered at the end is: will John Kimble go back to being
a cop or make the switch to teaching kindergarten?
All in all, Kindergarten Cop is an impressive film that's a mix of action, comedy, children, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.