Review of Kindergarten Cop (1990) by Filipeneto — 19 Nov 2021

This film can match "Junior" and "Twins", making up a trio of quality comedies that Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in during the Nineties, under the direction of Ivan Reitman, and that helped him get out of the action roles and acquire versatility as an actor.

The film starts out somewhat confusedly, and I felt that the story behind that policeman going to kindergarten was really very poorly written, as if the script just needed an excuse to put him there and explain his presence in that environment. Things, however, improve a lot from then on, with the troubles he goes through with the children and the romantic subplot, which is cliché but is well articulated with the rest of the story.

I think it is obvious that Schwarzenegger is the big star of the film and carries it on his back with panache and competence. In fact, the film seems to have been tailored to the capabilities of the actor, who appears to be having a great deal of fun as he works. Children, of course, are essential in the script and feature moments of variegated humor, very well done and that guarantee the audience's fun. Linda Hunt and Penelope Miller are two quality additions, and Pamela Reed is helpfully supportive of Schwarzenegger, even though I feel she was underused. Richard Tyson is a clichéd villain, not very interesting, but the blame lies more with the script and the material he received than, properly, with the actor.

On a technical level, the film is relatively unobtrusive. Shot between California and the small town of Astoria, Oregon, the film has good sets and the choice of filming locations was judicious and competent. The cinematography, filming work, soundtrack, visual and sound effects were all done well, and the editing is solid. The opening credits are well done and give the film a coloring that immediately introduces the audience to the context of the film. The film features some relatively contained action scenes.