Dennis the Menace
Dennis the Menace follows a energetic boy whose pranks yank the town's routines into chaos. George Wilson, the gruff neighbor, endures constant interruptions while trying to keep order. When a slick drifter named Switchblade Sam arrives, a tense game between adults and Dennis begins, fueled by... Read more
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About Dennis the Menace
Dennis the Menace follows a energetic boy whose pranks yank the town's routines into chaos. George Wilson, the gruff neighbor, endures constant interruptions while trying to keep order. When a slick drifter named Switchblade Sam arrives, a tense game between adults and Dennis begins, fueled by clever tricks and escalating schemes. A rumor about a hidden hoard of gold pulls Dennis into the mystery, raising the stakes for the whole street as schemes ricochet from kitchen to cul de sac. The chase plays out through a string of pratfalls and close calls, yet the film keeps a warm, comic heart as Dennis proves he can care while being mischievous. The tone stays breezy and family friendly throughout.
Directed by Nick Castle, the movie adapts Hank Ketchams comic strip and carries the touch of John Hughes in development, pairing classic Dennis mischief with a warm, suburban setting for families. The cast, led by Walter Matthau and Mason Gamble, grounds the farce with heart.
Dennis the Menace marks a memorable 1990s live action take on a familiar comic world. Walter Matthau delivers humor as Mr. Wilson while Mason Gamble embodies Dennis's rapid energy. Christopher Lloyd brings danger to Switchblade Sam, helping the movie linger in fans' memories. It fits into a wave of kid friendly adaptations that balanced mischief with warmth and kept Dennis relevant for a new generation.
Critics at the time treated it as light family fare that leans on a friendly town dynamic and the tug of competing generations. The film mines humor from Dennis's curiosity while underscoring themes of community, responsibility, and the value of looking out for neighbors. It aims for broad appeal with a gentle pace, delivering a safe, entertaining experience for kids and parents alike.
Box office data is not provided in the prompt, so this paragraph notes the absence rather than presenting gross figures. If you want revenue details, I can retrieve them separately. The movie did play in theaters around the world, but no numbers are listed here.
Details
- Release Date
- June 09, 1993
- User Ratings
- 1,546 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Family, Comedy
Official Trailer
Cast
Walter Matthau
George Wilson
Mason Gamble
Dennis Mitchell
Joan Plowright
Martha Wilson
Christopher Lloyd
Switchblade Sam
Lea Thompson
Alice Mitchell
Robert Stanton
Henry Mitchell
Amy Sakasitz
Margaret Wade
Kellen Hathaway
Joey
Paul Winfield
Chief of Police
Natasha Lyonne
Polly
Director: Nick Castle
Written by: Hank Ketcham, John Hughes