Review of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) by M. C — 15 Sep 2014

"THE MOST ASTONISHING BACKYARD ADVENTURE OF ALL TIME!".

- One of my favorite childhood films produced by Walt Disney Pictures is this 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' from 1989. It was the directorial debut of Joe Johnson (Jumanji, Jurassic Park 3). I really love the story about the scientist who has invented a shrinking machine and accidently shrinks his and the neighbors kids. Warm characters, good humor and exciting surroundings are key elements of this film. A definite must-see. Starring Rick Moranis (Ghostbusters, the Flintstones), Marcia Strassman (Honey, I Blew Up the Kid) and Robert Oliveri (Edward Scissorhands). After the success of this film, two sequels ('Honey, I Blew Up the Kid' from 1992 and 'Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves' from 1997) and a TV-show followed.

Inventor Wayne Szalinski (Moranis) has created a shrinking machine and hopes to change the world, but so far it has only caused troubles between him and his wife Diane (Strassman). One day he goes to a presentation and asks his children Amy and Nick (Oliveri) to clean the house and mow the lawn. It's then that Ronald Thompson hits a baseball through the Szalinski's attic window, turning the machine on. Ron's big brother Russell takes him to their neighbors house to apologize and retrieve the ball. Nick takes Ron upstairs, while Russell talks to Amy. When the boys don't return, Amy and Russ go to the attic and get hit by the shrinking device. They are shocked to find themselves 1/4 inch tall.

When Wayne comes home from his presentation, he is upset and smashes the machine. Cleaning up, he unknowingly sweeps up the four kids and puts them into a garbage bag. Russell, Amy, Ron and Nick escape the trashbag and must now cross the backyard to go back to the Szalinski house. It's the beginning of a thrilling adventure...