Is House Arrest Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, House Arrest is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
House Arrest Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1996, House Arrest emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of High-schooler Grover Beindorf and his younger sister Stacy decide that their parents, Janet and Ned, are acting childishly when they decide to divorce after 18 years of marriage, so they lock them up in the basement until they'll sort out their problems. Unlike standard genre fare, House Arrest attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and House Arrest features a noteworthy lineup led by Jamie Lee Curtis . Supported by the likes of Kevin Pollak and Kyle Howard , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of House Arrest (1996) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
House Arrest Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: House Arrest is a Comedy, Family film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
House Arrest Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: House Arrest attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of House Arrest reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch House Arrest?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of House Arrest
- Jamie Lee Curtis – Janet Beindorf
- Kevin Pollak – Ned Beindorf
- Kyle Howard – Gregory Alan 'Grover' Beindorf
- Jennifer Love Hewitt – Brooke Figler
- Jennifer Tilly – Cindy Figler
Top Highlights
Jamie Lee CurtisJanet Beindorf
Kevin PollakNed Beindorf
Kyle HowardGregory Alan 'Grover' Beindorf
Jennifer Love HewittBrooke Figler
Jennifer TillyCindy Figler
Christopher McDonaldDonald Krupp
Wallace ShawnVictor Finley
Ray WalstonChief Rocco
Herbert RussellT.J. Krupp
Colleen CampMrs. Burtis
Where to Watch House Arrest Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
House Arrest is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, House Arrest stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is House Arrest movie hit or flop?
House Arrest has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is House Arrest worth watching?
House Arrest is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Family movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch House Arrest online?
House Arrest may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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