Nuit de folie

A few Years Ago my Dad Bought it for me on tape and I used to watch it over and over I watched it so many times that I knew Every Word in the movie I really Like this movie And I know It's an Old movie But SEE IT!!!! its Good

"Adventures in Babysitting" is always an easy watch. I enjoyed it when I saw it in the theater (Sunrise Multiplex, Valley Stream, NY) and I still enjoy it. Elisabeth Shue is very good. The rest of the cast does a nice job as well. It fits nicely into the '80s teen movie genre. "Adventures in Babysitting" may not be one of the classics of that genre but it deserves to be watched every once in a while. Honorable mention: the Thor scene.

"Adventures in Babysitting" is an awkwardly amusing movie centering around the many mishaps and pitfalls that occur when a single session of the movie's namesake spirals out of control. Though simple in principle, this narrative is ultimately the film's greatest make-or-break point, as it can be challenging to rectify at times what couldn't be described as anything less than a series of exceedingly unfortunate and coincidental events. As a feel-good flick that doesn't take itself seriously in this slightest, it still has an inherent degree of charm, however; especially for those who have a taste for the 80's aesthetic. At the end of the day, if enough suspension of disbelief can be granted, it is a solid watch for a more mature audience.

Concerning the plot, much of what happens after the main character, Chris, accepts a babysitting job can be best summarized as one hurdle after another; each requiring a leap of logic to clear, albeit with differing degrees. After receiving a distress call from her friend Brenda, Chris is subsequently blackmailed by the subjects of her sitting, Brad and Sarah, into taking them with her as she sets off for the city with neighboring acquaintance Daryl also in tow. One flat tire later, and the narrative slowly begins to unwind as it sends the four skipping from one tense scenario into the next; from the revenge plans of their tow driver and a den of chop shop criminals to a blues joint and a confrontation between rival gangs on a train, the fast and loose storytelling is a masterwork in plausible mayhem. This, for better or worse, sets an awkward tone in general as character interactions are generally lighthearted on one hand while the imminant death from the crime boss and his goons looms ever-present on the other. Though the pacing and flow of the scenes helps to hold the viewer's attention away from considering the odds of each new pitfall that occurs, it is still difficult to validate the story on a surface level when it comes down to it. This, combined with several contrivances that bail the group out of various predicaments make for a peculiar experience that feels both frustrating on a logical level and oddly relatable in terms of real-world applicability. Aside from one instance of jarring, unnecessary language and a repetitive use of crass innuendo, the overarching tone is overall enjoyable.

As for the characters, Chris was easily the highlight of film, due largely in part to the degree of maturity presented through her role and the perseverance she continued to display at each turn of the proverbial rollercoaster. Brad's overall arch was decent, alongside his sister Sarah. Both of which acted their age and were refreshing to watch, especially compared to how youth is commonly depicted in recent years. Similarly, Brenda's sporadic appearances were worth waiting for, as her colorful-yet-grounded personality leaned into both the serious aspects of the film and it's underlying humor in turn. Daryl, on the other hand, was a big question mark from start to finish, especially in terms of relevance. That is to say that he never truly contributes toward moving the plot forward, and is instead the squeaky fourth wheel whose only purpose is to insert crude humor wherever he can. As this can easily undermine enjoyability of the movie depending on personal preference, it would have likely been best if his role had been minimized to a side character.

In conclusion, "Adventures in Babysitting" has the potential for being a decent-to-good watch depending on if enough tolerance can be mustered to oppose the chaotic narrative and moderate use of innuendo. At it's core, it is a simple story with reasonable stakes that asks for little investment in exchange for a high degree of suspension of disbelief. While it is not the greatest feel-good flick around the block, it is still serviceable for providing a reasonable level of entertainment.

"Adventures in Babysitting" is an underrated gem featuring a very strong young cast. The movie opens with Chris Parker (played by Elizabeth Shue in a very early starring role) first finding out that her boyfriend can't make their big date that night. So she agrees to babysit Sara and Brad Anderson, played by Maia Brewton and Keith Coogan (both of whom have dropped off the face of the earth, apparently, in the last 10 or 15 years). Sara's kind of a brat, and Brad has a crush on Chris. Brad's best friend Daryl (played by Anthony Rapp, who went on to appear in "Dazed and Confused" and "Road Trip"), who is an annoying wise-ass, also drops by. Things go okay until Chris gets a call from her best friend Brenda (Penelope Ann Miller), who says that she ran away from home, and is now stuck at a bus station in the city with no money and no way home, and of course she can't call her parents. This prompts Chris to take the kids (including Daryl) on a little trip, and of course, hilarious hijinks ensue.

They have a tire blow-out, and are helped by a mechanic with a hook for a hand. Their car is then stolen, and they go to try to get it back. They're caught by the mobsters running the car ring, and have to escape (which they achieve by walking along a very thin metal beam overhead). But the mobsters catch them trying to leave, forcing them on the run and leading to one of the funniest scenes in the movie: going through a blues club, the singer stops them, saying "Ain't nobody leaves here without singing the blues." So they do, Chris leading, singing a song about their predicament. It's both cute and hilarious, with the others joining in singing back-up ("And we should be in bed!").

The rest of the movie is about them being chased through the city by these mobsters, and of course, there's one funny bit after another, with some suspenseful bits thrown in for good measure. This is all hilarious, but the best scenes are the ones interspersed throughout with Brenda trying to get along at the bus station. Penelope Ann Miller truly steals the show; scared out of her skull, she has to contend with such problems as a bum yelling at her to get out of his "house" (a phone booth); getting her glasses stolen by a bag lady (the look on the bag lady's face when she puts them on and realizes she can see is priceless); a hot dog vendor who won't help her out ("Then I don't have a wiener!" he says when she says she doesn't have any cash); and a jumbo-sized sewer rat she tries to rescue, thinking it's a cute little kitty cat (because she can't see). This is probably the best part Penelope Ann Miller has ever had, and she demonstrates a surprising talent for screwball comedy.

Like I said, the rest of the young cast is great; Shue pretty much began her career here, and Coogan, Rapp, and Brewton (who was also very funny on the also underrated TV show "Parker Lewis Can't Lose", which I'm dying to see come out on DVD) put in funny, though clichéd, parts. "Adventures in Babysitting" is one of those movies that just sounded kind of dumb based on the title (like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), but if you haven't seen it, give it a try anyway; the brilliant gags and the strong acting made it work.

Why does this movie have such a low rating on this site? This is such a good movie! Ok, I'll admit, the story is pretty odd, but it's still very good, and it's a great adventure.

All the actors do a great job in the film. Elizabeth Shue looks as beautiful as ever and does a great job as Chris Parker. Keith Coogan does a great job as well. Other notable cast members are Vincent D'Onofrio, Penelope Ann Miller, Geroge Newbern, Bradley Whitford, and Lolita Davidovich. Also, I have to hand it to director Chris Columbus, he did a superb job with this film. Amazingly enough, this was his first directorial effort too. Good job Chris! It's always good to see where directors come from, if you didn't know, he went on to do "Home Alone", "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York", "Mrs. Doubtfire", "Bicentennial Man", and "Harry Potter: The Sorcerer's Stone", just to name a few.

There are so many good things about this film! This movie's got action, adventure, and comedy. The comedy in the film is absolutely fantastic! There are a few scenes that crack me up just thinking about them. ...And there are a great number of quotable lines that everyone that has seen this movie will remember.

Anyhow, I strongly suggest you see this film! I really hope that you enjoy the film if you haven't seen it already. Thanks for reading,

-Chris