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Problem Child 1990

Comedy

Family

Box Office

$72M

Runtime

81 min

Language

English

Directed by

Dennis Dugan

Made by

Universal Pictures

Test your knowledge of Problem Child with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Problem Child (1990). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.

Ben Healy Jr. is a well-meaning yet beleaguered yuppie, feeling stifled by the overbearing shadow of his father, John Ritter, who goes by “Big Ben” Healy Sr. As the patriarch campaigns for mayor with an iron grip, Ben’s life stagnates, particularly due to his wife Flo’s struggles with fertility, leaving him feeling like a mere extension of his father’s legacy. In his desperate quest for solace, he turns to the questionable adoption agency led by Igor Peabody, and what he gets is a pint-sized chaos machine named Junior, a mischievous 7-year-old.

At first glance, Junior seems innocent, but he harbors a penchant for pandemonium that disrupts the Healy household and beyond. His harmless-looking shenanigans lead to a string of catastrophes: from causing Fuzzball the cat to end up in the vet’s office to making Big Ben take a humiliating fall down the stairs, and even turning his own room into a fiery mess. A family camping trip spirals into chaos when Junior decides to “enhance” the campfire by urinating on it, while also playing a prank on Roy’s kids. The whirlwind of mischief continues at Lucy’s birthday party, where Junior disrupts the magic show and showcases his unconventional approach to Little League—hitting opposing players with his bat.

Despite the growing doubts about whether this rambunctious child is worth the havoc he brings, Ben becomes moved when he learns that Junior has been rejected by 30 different families. This revelation triggers something deep within him, leading him to embrace the little outcast with the warmth and affection he has longed for. Unfortunately, Junior misinterprets this kindness as a cue to wreak further havoc, even robbing Ben’s father, Big Ben’s store, leaving the family’s finances in disarray.

Things take a dramatic turn when Junior is kidnapped by a character named Beck, initially leaving Ben and Flo relieved at the temporary escape from the chaos. However, Ben’s perspective shifts when he discovers Junior’s drawings. The innocent child portrays his tormentors as monstrous figures in dark places, while depicting Ben as a gentle and kind presence in a bright world. This eye-opening moment compels Ben to recognize that Junior’s misbehavior is a guise for the pain he has endured at the hands of selfish individuals.

Driven by love and a newfound courage, Ben embarks on a daring mission to rescue Junior from Beck’s grasp. This ignites a series of bold escapades, including stealing Roy’s prized vehicle and elements of his gear. When confronted by Big Ben, Ben seizes the moment to expose his father’s true demeanor, broadcasting embarrassing moments to the world, showcasing the consequences of underestimating him.

The climax unfolds at the circus, where the chaotic showdown sees Junior executing a daring escape from Beck during a trapeze act. As the chase unfolds, they find themselves in a dramatic car crash that sends Flo sprawling out of a suitcase and onto a truck filled with pigs. The authorities eventually nab Beck, but not without one last shot hitting Ben in the chest.

As Junior expresses regret for not saving Ben, believing him to be dead, Ben awakens miraculously, discovering that a good-luck prune in his pocket deflected the bullet. In a heartfelt gesture, Junior discards his bow tie, symbolizing his step toward independence and distancing himself from Beck’s negative influence. In this moment of triumph, Junior and Ben walk away together, strengthened by their shared struggles and newfound connection.

Timeline

Track the key events of Problem Child (1990) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.

Ben Healy Jr.'s Struggles

Ben Healy Jr. feels suffocated by the expectations of his father, Big Ben Healy Sr., who is a dominating figure in their lives. His father's pursuit of political success adds to Ben's frustrations, particularly as he grapples with personal issues stemming from his wife Flo's struggles with fertility.

Adoption of Junior

In search of solace from his chaotic family life, Ben turns to an adoption agency run by Igor Peabody. To his surprise, he ends up with Junior, a rambunctious 7-year-old who quickly proves to be more than he bargained for.

Junior's Mischief Begins

Though Junior seems innocent at first, his mischievous nature spirals the Healy household into chaos. From causing their pet cat, Fuzzball, to end up at the vet, to humiliating Big Ben with a nasty fall down the stairs, Junior's antics create uproar.

Healy household

Camping Trip Disaster

A family camping trip goes awry when Junior decides to enhance the campfire in his own way by urinating on it. Adding to the chaos, he plays a prank on other campers, showcasing his talent for turning any situation into havoc.

Campsite

Chaos at Lucy's Birthday Party

At Lucy's birthday party, Junior disrupts a magic show, highlighting his knack for mischief. His unconventional style extends to Little League where he introduces an unexpected twist by using his bat on opposing players.

Birthday party

Ben's Realization

Despite the chaos Junior creates, Ben learns that Junior has been rejected by 30 families before him. This heartbreaking revelation prompts Ben to embrace Junior, providing the affection he has lacked, but also inadvertently encouraging further misbehavior.

Financial Turmoil

Following a series of wild antics, including robbing Big Ben's store, Junior's mischief leaves the Healy family's finances in disarray. Ben and Flo struggle to mitigate the damage while grappling with their growing worries about Junior's influence.

Healy family's financial management

Junior's Kidnapping

In a turn of events, Junior is kidnapped by a character named Beck, initially leaving Ben and Flo relieved. However, the relief soon turns to concern as Ben reflects on the emotional turmoil Junior has suffered.

The Eye-Opening Drawings

When Ben finds Junior's drawings, he is struck by their emotional depth, revealing how Junior sees the world. His depictions highlight Ben as a kind figure while portraying others as tormentors, shifting Ben's perspective on Junior's behavior.

Ben's Rescue Mission

Driven by newfound courage, Ben embarks on a daring mission to rescue Junior from Beck. This endeavor leads Ben through a series of bold and reckless escapades, demonstrating his desperation and love for the young boy.

Confrontation with Big Ben

During a pivotal moment, Ben confronts Big Ben and exposes his unpleasant side. This act of rebellion empowers Ben, showcasing his growth and resolve to stand up against his father's domineering nature.

Climactic Circus Showdown

The climax unfolds at the circus where Junior executes a daring escape from Beck during a trapeze act. The action intensifies as chaos ensues, including a dramatic car crash that brings the family the danger they never anticipated.

Circus

Ben's Miraculous Survival

After an intense sequence, Junior believes he has failed to save Ben, who appears to have been fatally injured. Miraculously, Ben awakens, realizing that a good-luck prune in his pocket deflected the shot meant for him.

Symbol of Independence

In a significant moment of growth, Junior discards his bow tie, which symbolizes his distancing from Beck's negative influence. This act signifies Junior's step toward independence and maturity, strengthening his bond with Ben.

A New Beginning

In the end, Ben and Junior walk away together, having forged a deeper connection through their shared struggles. This moment marks a new beginning for both characters, filled with hope and understanding as they face the future.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Problem Child (1990) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

Ben Healy Jr. (Michael Oliver)

Ben Healy Jr. is portrayed as a well-meaning yet overwhelmed individual trying to navigate the complexities of family life and parental expectations. He is often overshadowed by his father, struggling with feelings of inadequacy and frustration. As the movie progresses, his character transforms, showcasing his capacity for love, acceptance, and courage in the face of chaos.

👨‍👦 Family 💔 Struggle 🌟 Growth

Big Ben Healy Sr. (John Ritter)

Big Ben Healy Sr. is depicted as a powerful and overbearing patriarch who prioritizes his political ambitions over his family's happiness. His iron grip leads to tension between him and Ben Jr., ultimately revealing deep-seated issues that need to be addressed. His character serves as a foil to Ben Jr., illustrating the subsequent generational conflicts and parental pressures.

👔 Authority 🏛️ Politics 💼 Ambition

Junior

Junior is a pint-sized whirlwind of mischief, whose seemingly innocent demeanor hides a penchant for chaos. Throughout the film, his actions lead to comedic turmoil, but they also serve as a reflection of deeper emotional struggles, particularly in seeking acceptance and understanding. His journey mirrors that of Ben’s as they both explore themes of love and belonging.

🎈 Mischief 🤗 Acceptance 🚸 Youth

Setting

Uncover the settings of Problem Child (1990), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.

Time period

The film takes place in a contemporary setting reflective of the early 1990s, characterized by family dynamics and societal expectations. The manipulation of traditional narrative arcs allows for an exploration of themes such as parenting, chaos, and personal growth that resonate with the film's audience.

Location

Healy household, local park, circus

The Healy household serves as the primary backdrop for the movie, representing a typical suburban life overshadowed by parental expectations. Local parks provide a setting for chaotic adventures, especially during family outings like camping trips. The circus becomes a crucial location for the climax, filled with excitement and drama, contributing to the film's comedic yet heartfelt tone.

🏡 Home 🎪 Entertainment 🌳 Outdoors

Themes

Explore the core themes of Problem Child (1990). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.

🌪️

Chaos

The theme of chaos is prevalent throughout the film, primarily embodied by Junior, whose antics disrupt the norm of the Healy household. His mischievous nature invites chaos not only in his family but also in the broader community, highlighting the contrast between innocence and disorder. This theme serves as a catalyst for Ben's development and ultimately leads to important realizations about love and acceptance.

❤️

Family Bonding

At its core, the film explores family bonding in various forms, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of parental love. Ben's journey from frustration to acceptance of Junior showcases a pivotal transformation of their relationship, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in a family. Their bond grows stronger amid adversity, culminating in a shared sense of triumph.

🎭

Identity

The theme of identity is crucial to Ben's character development and Junior’s journey. Ben grapples with feelings of inadequacy while living in his father's shadow, leading to his identity crisis. Meanwhile, Junior's antics mask his insecurities and desire for belonging, reflecting the struggles that many children face when trying to fit in.