MouseHunt

When Lars and Ernie Smuntz inherit a decaying mansion they figure it's one more dead end, until an appraisal reveals the property is worth a fortune. Before they can sell, the brothers run into an unexpected obstacle: a single, stubborn mouse that refuses to leave. The tiny intruder sets off a series of escalating battles, turning the house into a chaotic battlefield of traps, clever sabotage, and unhinged slapstick. As the siblings try to outwit the animal and each other, their strained partnership is tested by mounting frustration, inventive mishaps, and sheer bad luck.

Directed by Gore Verbinski and created from an idea by Adam Rifkin, the film arrived in 1997 with a cast led by Nathan Lane and Lee Evans, supported by Vicki Lewis, Maury Chaykin, and Eric Christmas. Its tone mixes old-school physical comedy with family-friendly mischief.

Critics gave mixed to positive reactions, reflected in a middling audience score near 6.5 out of 10 from thousands of votes. Many reviewers liked the performances, especially Nathan Lane's exaggerated exasperation and the film's willingness to commit to broad, physical humor. Some found the premise thin, but audiences tended to enjoy the relentless gag setup and visual inventiveness.

The movie left a modest imprint on 90s family comedy, thanks to its slapstick set pieces and the memorable image of humans being outmaneuvered by one small creature. Scenes of increasingly elaborate traps and disastrous fallout have stuck with viewers, and the film is often recalled as a nostalgic example of practical-effects-driven comedy from that era.

At the box office the film attracted family audiences during its theatrical run, positioning itself as a weekend option for parents with kids rather than a prestige release. Its performance was solid enough to keep it visible through home video and cable play, helping it maintain a steady presence among 90s family titles.