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Kindergarten Cop Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    61

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 30

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

    It would be lying not to say that some of the moviemakers here aren't working at the top of their craft, or that the movie won't reach audiences. On its own terms, Kindergarten Cop is nearly fool-proof: the last word in glib, shallow, soulless, spuriously warm-hearted commercialism. [21 Dec 1990, p.1]

  • 40

    out of 100

    Variety

    The polished comic vision that gave Twins, Arnold Schwarzenegger's comedy breakthrough, a storybook shine completely eludes director Ivan Reitman here. Result is a mish-mash of violence, psycho-drama and lukewarm kiddie comedy.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    The strange thing about Kindergarten Cop is how quickly it abandons its own concept. No sooner has Arnold gotten into class than he's yanked back into the mechanics of the movie's generic thriller plot. Perhaps this wouldn't be as noticeable if there were a few more sparks between Schwarzenegger and the kids.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    The New York Times

    No one laughs at Arnold Schwarzenegger better than Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. In Kindergarten Cop, he plays off the Schwarzenegger image more gleefully and successfully than ever before. That is not quite enough to save the movie from its lame, predictable script.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    Kindergarten Cop was directed by Ivan Reitman, whose best work shows an ability to mix the absurd with the dramatic, so we're laughing as the suspense reaches its peak.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Tribune Dave Kehr

    Kindergarten Cop never feels mercenary in the manner of, say, "Look Who's Talking Too" or "Three Men and a Little Lady." It is, instead, an extremely amiable, good-hearted film, unashamed of its desire to please and quite entertaining for it. [21 Dec 1990, p.B]

  • See all Kindergarten Cop reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 12+

The Terminator meets Mother Goose.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this film includes some violence and a very small amount of cursing. The villains are evil drug lords that commit murder. Both a woman and a child are put in physical danger, but are saved in the end by the main character. The fight between separated parents for custody of the child may be disturbing for some kids, especially those of divorce.

  • Families can talk about nonviolent conflict-resolution with younger children. How do John's skills as a police officer help him maintain order in his classroom? Parents may want to reassure their children of their safety.

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: Aside from the bad guys, the film features several positive role models. An aggressive, socially inept cop learns to work with others, care for children, and love. His partner is portrayed as a strong, intelligent female police officer.

What to watch for
  • violence false3

    Violence: The film begins with a murder and includes additional killings (of villainous family members). A child is put in jeopardy.

  • sex false0

    Sex: Not an issue

  • language false3

    Language: Some profanity.

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Not an issue

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false0

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Wine with dinner.

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 4
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
5

by gennifer186

4

by sinhippie

Read all Kindergarten Cop reviews at Fandango
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