[Moving picture of popcorn]

Laramie Movie Scope:
Kindergarten Cop

Comic Schwarzenegger strains credulity

[Strip of film rule]
by Robert Roten, Film Critic
[Strip of film rule]

December 26, 1990 -- ``Kindergarten Cop'' is yet another solid film from Arnold Schwarzenegger, the man who brought you ``Twins'' and ``Terminator.''

Schwarzenegger, who strains credulity as a body-building cop working undercover as a kindergarten teacher with an Austrian accent, pulls off this rather improbable role, but just barely.

The ex-body builder seems to have reached the limit of his acting ability in his big scene with co-star Panelope Ann Miller when he wins her love. I believed the scene, but was glad that the film did not ask me to suspend any more of my disbelief. I like to have a little bit left.

Schwarzenegger has come a long way from the days when he played Conan the Barbarian and he has a long way to go before he gets even to the John Wayne level, let alone the Marlon Brando level.

Director Ivan Reitman does a good job of balancing the comedy, drama and violence in the film (there are three murders and several beatings, so it may not be suitable for some children). Reitman is the same director who worked with Schwarzenegger on ``Twins.'' Here, he manages to make a good movie out of a fairly silly idea.

The other actors in the film are very good, especially Carroll Baker as the vicious mother of a murderer who wants to kidnap his son from the kindergarten where Schwarzenegger works.

Linda Hunt also does a fine job as the principal of the kindergarten and Pamela Reed is excellent as Schwarzenegger's partner. The children in the movie are also quite good. This is a nice, funny, lightweight, non-filling, entertaining film, perfect for the holiday season. On a scale of one to 10 it rates a six.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

[Strip of film rule]  
Back to the Laramie Movie Scope index.
    [Rule made of Seventh Seal sillouettes]

Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at my last name at lariat dot org. [Mailer button: image of letter and envelope]

(If you e-mail me with a question about this or any other movie or review, please mention the name of the movie you are asking the question about, otherwise I may have no way of knowing which film you are referring to)