Kindergarten Cop

Arnold Schwarzenegger hooks up with director Ivan Reitman once again, after their 80's smash hit Twins (1988) first highlighted the giant Austrian's talent for comedy. Like that one, this is a film that is so high-concept that you should be able to work out a large part of the plot just by looking at the poster. The film does one of those things that lots of comedies from the late 80's / early 90's did and that is set up a light-hearted comedy framework and then throw in a crime sub-plot into the mix. To this end we have Arnold playing a disillusioned cop who is trying to hunt down that other staple of the era – the criminal with a sharp suit and power ballad haircut. Arnie travels to a small town in Oregon where he knows that Power Ballad's ex-wife and son live. In order to find them he goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher. Needless to say, this unlikely primary school teacher gets into a series of toddler-related japes, while falling in love with Power Ballad's ex-wife who also works at the school. Before long things turn nasty when Power Ballad turns up and tries to steal his son back leaving Arnie with no alternative but to deal with this pony-tailed, suited-and-booted ponce.

This one shouldn't work but it does. Its story is almost charmingly moronic but it gets by on account of a highly likable and often somewhat hilarious performance from Schwarzenegger, who really can play comedy really well. He is ably supported by Pamela Reed who plays his partner who at one stage hilariously pretends to be his sister replete with amusing Austrian accent and Germanic gestures. Then of course there are the little kids themselves who are often very funny and who Arnie works extremely well with and has great chemistry. The result is a movie which transcends its paper thin basic idea and results in a genuinely charming chuckle-fest.

I reckon Arnie would make the best teacher. For starters, he could teach PE, and Austrian, and politics, and awesome, among other things. Schoolyard bullying and vandalism would be a thing of the past, and if any of the students were having domestic troubles at home, Arnie would find out and then BAM! Problem solved, just like in 'Kindergarten Cop'.

Arnie plays John Kimble, a cop who has spent years chasing a criminal by the name of Cullen Crisp. When he finally gets Crisp, he now has to find all the money Crisp that stole. It seems as though Crisp's e-wife took it and fled to a small town with their son, and changed their names in the process. To find them, Arnie must pose as a kindergarten teacher, and hilarity ensues.

'Kindergarten Cop' may not be as heavy on the action as some of Arnie's other movies from the time (80s / early 90s), but on the other hand, it is very funny. It delivers some classic lines from not only Arnie, but also his disciples of awesome (students, whatever you wish to call them). 'Kindergarten Cop' proves that Arnie is family-friendly, as well as awesome. Bravo!

8/10 - Check it out. You should like it, and if you don't, I'm sure Arnie will forgive you.

Action, Comedy, Crime + Family at its best. Arnold was amazing. Arnold self-centered this movie with his fabulous screen time and stunning action - The way Salman Khan centers his whole movie in Bollywood, difference here is better acting and more sense. It's very underrated. I never expected it to turn out this great. The kids are amazing, the comedy is consistent. The direction and cinematography is exceptional. Since it's 1990, picture quality takes a step down, but it didn't matter when we start concentrating on the movie with so much fun. I enjoyed it. I added the Twins in the watch list too after watching this.

Arnie plays a bad ass cop who disguises himself as a kindergarten teacher in order to track down the ex-wife of a drug sleazeball to finally lock him up.

Arnie in a comedy. Well, it worked in Twins so why not do it again? Actually this time around he fares very well, balancing quite nicely his tough guy side (which we all love) and also his comedic side. His interaction with the children are hilarious and somewhat touching at times. Supporting cast do a nice job, particularly Reed as Arnie's partner and Hunt as his kindergarten supervisor.

Many critics found the level of violence to be a little excessive considering it's listed as mainly a comedy, but I don't agree. Sure, there's some violence near the end, but it's relatively toned down. I'd say this is good family fun.

Very entertaining film about a cop who must go undercover as a kindergarten teacher in order to track down a killer.

Director Ivan Reitman, who delivers his best film since "Ghostbusters", uses Arnold Schwarzenegger brilliantly in this unusual role. Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed and Linda Hunt lend good support. This is an original movie that, although not full of surprises, keeps the drama and comedy perfectly balanced.

The children, who are, to Reitman's credit, not used purely to influence the emotions, are adorable and hilarious in a film that is definitely worth your while.

Friday, April 12, 1991 - Knox District Centre Sunday, May 12, 1991 - Greater Union Melbourne

"Kindergarten Cop" is still entertaining even the third time. It's a movie that makes you smile.

Saturday, November 2, 1991 - Video