Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, released in theaters on June 23, 1989, is an imaginative, thrilling, and often hilarious adventure that captivated audiences with its innovative special effects and heartfelt story. The film is a delightful journey into the unexpected dangers of one’s own backyard, proving that even tiny heroes can face gigantic challenges.
The story centers on Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis), an eccentric and perpetually optimistic inventor whose latest creation is a shrinking ray. Despite his best efforts, his inventions usually end in disaster, much to the exasperation of his wife, Diane (Marcia Strassman), and his two children, Amy (Amy O’Neill) and Nick (Robert Oliveri).
One fateful afternoon, the neighborhood kids, Ron Thompson (Jared Rushton) and his older brother Russ Thompson Jr. (Thomas Wilson Brown), accidentally activate Wayne’s shrinking machine, zapping Amy, Nick, and the Thompson boys to a mere quarter-inch tall.
Now, stranded in their own overgrown backyard, which has become a terrifying jungle filled with giant insects, menacing sprinklers, and hungry lawnmowers, the miniaturized kids must embark on a perilous journey across the vast expanse of their lawn to get back to the house, while Wayne and Diane frantically search for their missing children.
Moranis delivers a fantastic performance as Szalinski, perfectly capturing the absent-minded inventor’s boundless enthusiasm, scientific brilliance, and deep love for his family. He grounds the fantastical premise with a relatable paternal desperation.
Matt Frewer is great as Big Russ Thompson, the gruff but ultimately caring neighbor.
Strassman provides a strong and empathetic presence as Diane, the pragmatic wife and mother.
Rushton and Brown are excellent as the Thompson brothers, conveying a believable sibling dynamic and their shared terror and resilience in their miniature world.
Kristine Sutherland, as Mrs. Thompson, adds to the ensemble.
Director Joe Johnston, who previously worked in visual effects, brings a fantastic sense of scale and adventure to the film. The visual effects, a groundbreaking combination of forced perspective, oversized props, and animatronics, are incredibly convincing and truly immerse the audience in the miniature world, making everyday objects appear monstrous and terrifying. The film expertly balances its thrilling action sequences with moments of genuine humor and heartwarming family dynamics.
The screenplay, by Ed Naha, Tom Schulman, and Garry Goodrow, is clever and imaginative, constantly inventing new dangers and comedic situations for the tiny protagonists.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (Photo/Disney)
Reception for Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids grossed $14.3 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office behind Batman ($40.5 million) starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson.
While the film would never reach the top spot at the box office due to being released the same day as Batman, it would remain in the top 10 for 10 of its first 11 weeks and finish as the No. 5 movie of the year, grossing $130.7 million, sandwiched between Rain Man ($139.6 million) and Look Who’s Talking ($113.5 million).
Roger Ebert gave the film two out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is a truly magical and endlessly entertaining family adventure. It’s a film that sparks the imagination, delivers plenty of laughs and thrills, and reminds us of the extraordinary things that can happen in our own backyards. With its iconic concept, memorable characters, and impressive special effects, it remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire wonder and delight generations.
