Adventures In Babysitting Movie Review (1987)
No one leaves this place without singing the blues. And after watching this stellar film, you won’t be able to stop singing whether you like it or not.
There are some movies that were watched during childhood that stand the test of time. Some really don’t, but I couldn’t wait to show my kids this film and, even as teenagers, we still watch it as a family on the regular.
Adventures In Babysitting is a story about Chris, an Oak Park high-school senior, who, when her big date gets cancelled with her popular boyfriend (whose sister is sick), agrees to babysit for neighbor Sara. Sara’s brother, Brad, who has always been in love with Chris, cancels his plans to sleep over at his best friend Daryl’s house to be home while Chris is there and Daryl comes by to see what’s going on. Shortly after arriving, Chris’ best friend Brenda calls to say that she ran away from home, is stuck in a downtown Chicago train station, and has no money. Can Chris come get her?
This sets Chris, Sara, Brad, and Daryl off on the most adventurous night of their lives – including mob bosses, blues club singers, college parties, El train gang members, car thieves, and a friendly tow truck driver with a hook where his hand used to be. Even Thor makes an appearance.
Adventures In Babysitting is one of those movies that you will enjoy no matter what age you are. It is funny, it is fairly innocent, it is sweet, it is an actual adventure with lots of self-contained scenes, and most of the characters are either entertaining or very endearing.
With a familiar-face cast (of then semi-unknowns) including Elizabeth Shue, Anthony Rapp, Penelope Ann Miller, Bradley Whitford, and Vincent D’Onofrio, this is one of those movies that you will watch and go, “Oh! He’s in this movie??” frequently.
The R-slur is used at the beginning of the film and I do cringe every time I hear it. There is also a small storyline about Chris looking like the (clothed) Playboy centerfold of the month that stays in very innocent territory. If you can get past those two things, you’re going to love it. Plus, you get a little tour of my city!
Be sure you’re watching the original 1987 film and not the (not great) 2016 remake on Disney!
Runtime: 102 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes, it’s such a fun time
Did I Cry? No, but it makes me happy
My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Available: For free on Disney+, to rent on Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
