Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992) Movie Review
A Giant-Sized Sequel with Heart and Humor
Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992) is a family sci-fi comedy that serves as a sequel to the beloved 1989 film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Directed by Randal Kleiser, this movie sees the return of Rick Moranis as the bumbling inventor Wayne Szalinski, whose latest experiment leads to hilariously gigantic consequences. With a blend of heart, humor, and special effects, this film continues the adventures of the Szalinski family in a fun and entertaining way.
Plot Summary
The story picks up with Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) continuing his work as an eccentric inventor. This time, he has developed a machine capable of enlarging objects. Things go awry when his toddler son, Adam (played by twins Daniel and Joshua Shalikar), is accidentally exposed to the device, causing him to grow to an enormous size. As Adam continues to grow uncontrollably, Wayne, his wife Diane (Marcia Strassman), and their older son Nick (Robert Oliveri) must figure out how to reverse the process before Adam causes chaos in Las Vegas.
Performance and Direction
Rick Moranis shines once again as Wayne Szalinski, bringing his trademark blend of nerdy charm and comedic timing to the role. His portrayal of the well-meaning but accident-prone inventor is both endearing and humorous. Marcia Strassman provides strong support as Diane Szalinski, balancing concern for her children with her love for her quirky husband. Robert Oliveri reprises his role as Nick, adding to the family dynamic with his teenage perspective.
Director Randal Kleiser effectively balances the film’s comedic elements with its heartfelt moments. His direction ensures that the story remains engaging and family-friendly, with enough visual gags and situational comedy to keep younger audiences entertained while offering nostalgic appeal to parents.
Cinematography and Special Effects
The cinematography by John Hora captures the sense of scale required to convincingly portray a giant toddler rampaging through the city. The use of practical effects and miniatures, combined with early 90s CGI, creates a believable and visually appealing depiction of Adam’s growth. The special effects, though dated by modern standards, still hold a certain charm and contribute to the film’s whimsical atmosphere.
The production design effectively uses oversized props and sets to convey the enormity of Adam’s predicament, making for some memorable visual sequences.
Themes and Messages
Honey, I Blew Up the Kid explores themes of family, responsibility, and the unintended consequences of scientific experimentation. At its core, the film is about the bond between parents and children, and the lengths to which parents will go to protect and care for their kids. It also touches on the idea of managing unforeseen consequences, a recurring theme in stories about scientific innovation.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised it for its lighthearted humor, special effects, and Rick Moranis’s performance, while others felt it didn’t quite capture the magic of the original film. Despite the mixed critical reception, the movie found a dedicated audience and remains a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up in the 90s.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in America, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid is available for streaming on the following platforms:
- Disney+: Available for streaming.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple TV: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rental or purchase.
Conclusion
Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992) is a delightful sequel that expands on the charming premise of its predecessor. With its blend of humor, heart, and special effects, it offers a fun and entertaining experience for the whole family. Rick Moranis’s performance, combined with Randal Kleiser’s direction, ensures that the film remains engaging and enjoyable, even decades after its release.
While it may not have the same groundbreaking impact as the original, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid is a worthy follow-up that continues the adventures of the Szalinski family with creativity and warmth. For those looking to revisit a piece of 90s nostalgia or introduce a new generation to the fun, the film is readily available on various streaming services.
