Review of Dennis the Menace (1993) by Daniel F — 20 Jun 2010

A vastly underrated film, why did this movie receive so much hate? from what I understand its the fact that most feel the villain played by (Christopher Loyd) is to over bearing and frightening when in reality he gives the film a very unique gravity and edge which builds the tension very nicely.

From beginning to end the film is quite inventive and spontaneous and for me very funny and enjoyable and I'm not even a huge fan of slapstick humor.

All the characters are generally over the top aside from a select few and every one of the actors does a fine job of fleshing out the people they're playing. from scene to scene theirs a very fun and playful energy that never becomes stale.

Not all of this film is light hearted in nature as stated before there is three basic things that gives the film an important aspect that makes it seem more than just a gag movie. One the villain, two the fact that there's an underlying sadness of the neighbors which makes them seem more human and explains the inherent dislike the husband finds in Dennis and finally Dennis himself the fear of making people dislike him if messes something up.

Now all the clever gags,tension building and creative flamboyant set design would be pointless if it wasn't for a young (Mason Gamble) who plays Dennis with a great freshness and creates somebody who you can root for and never really dislike, and Dennis's mother played by (Lea Thompson)gives the film a wonderful warmness which goes along way thankfully.

All the elements not only work well together but play of each other very well I like films that don't feel flat with only one tone and this film feels complete. now if theirs any real criticism this movie has its the fact that there is too many layers and you do feel somewhat confused at what to feel at any given time but that's a small quibble thats easily looked over.