Is Problem Child Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Problem Child is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 81 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Problem Child Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1990, Problem Child emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Ben Healy and his social climbing wife Flo adopt fun-loving seven year old Junior. Unlike standard genre fare, Problem Child 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 Problem Child features a noteworthy lineup led by John Ritter . Supported by the likes of Jack Warden and Michael J. Oliver , 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 Problem Child (1990) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Problem Child Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Problem Child 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.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Ben Healy and his social climbing wife Flo adopt fun-loving seven year old Junior. But they soon discover he's a little monster as he turns a camping trip, a birthday party and even a baseball game into comic nightmares. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Problem Child Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Problem Child concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Problem Child reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Problem Child?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Problem Child Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $72.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Problem Child Budget
The estimated production budget for Problem Child is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Problem Child
- John Ritter – Ben
- Jack Warden – Big Ben
- Michael J. Oliver – Junior
- Gilbert Gottfried – Mr. Peabody
- Amy Yasbeck – Flo
Top Highlights
John RitterBen
Jack WardenBig Ben
Michael J. OliverJunior
Gilbert GottfriedMr. Peabody
Amy YasbeckFlo
Michael RichardsMartin Beck
Peter JurasikRoy
Charlotte AkinLorraine
Anna Marie AllredKid #3
Adam AnderlyCatcher
Where to Watch Problem Child Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Problem Child is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Problem Child stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Problem Child movie hit or flop?
Problem Child has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Problem Child worth watching?
Problem Child 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 Problem Child online?
Problem Child 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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