Adventures in Babysitting
Directed by Chris Columbus
Written by David Simkins
Starring Elizabeth Shue, Maia Brewton, Keith Coogan
Release Date July 3rd, 1987
The 1987 film "Adventures in Babysitting," directed by Chris Columbus, remains a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up in the 80s, particularly young girls. Despite some of its outdated elements that haven't aged well, the movie's heart was always in the right place, a quality that many 80s teen comedies lacked.
The film stars Elizabeth Shue as Chris Parker, a resourceful teenager who finds herself babysitting for the Anderson family after her boyfriend cancels their date. Chris is tasked with looking after Sara (Maia Brewton) and Brad (Keith Coogan), who has a long-standing crush on Chris.
The adventure begins when Chris's friend Brenda (Penelope Ann Miller) runs away from home and calls Chris for help. Chris has no choice but to take the kids with her to downtown Chicago to pick up Brenda from a bus station. Brad's friend Daryl (Anthony Rapp) tags along, threatening to tell their parents if Chris doesn't let him join them.
On their way, they encounter a series of mishaps, including a blown tire on the expressway. The group must find a way to get their car fixed and return to the suburbs by 1 AM before the parents get home. They face various challenges, including a quirky tow truck driver, a car thief who surprisingly helps them out of dangerous situations, and even a musical number at a blues restaurant where they sing alongside the legendary Albert Collins.
"Adventures in Babysitting" marked Chris Columbus's directorial debut, and its rough edges are part of its charm. Early in his career, Columbus often explored themes of disrupting suburban normalcy with wacky adventures. Growing up in the Chicago suburbs himself, Columbus displays a fondness for the upper-middle-class lifestyle, even as he uses their experiences as a source of humor when they venture into the unfamiliar city.
While the film doesn't offer profound social commentary, it effectively uses the well-known trope of naive individuals navigating a big city they're unprepared for. The movie's strength lies in its execution, making it an enjoyable and entertaining experience. "Adventures in Babysitting" doesn't pretend to be anything more than a lighthearted and silly adventure, and it succeeds in that regard.
Revisiting the film years later, some may find that it doesn't hold up to their childhood memories. However, for others, it can still evoke a sense of childlike wonder and appreciation. The young cast appears to have had a great time, and while some of Columbus's adult humor may feel awkward or uncomfortable in hindsight, it remains mostly harmless. Most importantly, the film maintains a sense of good-heartedness.
One particularly touching scene involves Sara, the youngest child, who is obsessed with the comic book character Thor. She encounters a mechanic played by Vincent D'onofrio, who resembles her hero. When he is rude to them, Sara, believing he is maintaining a secret identity, offers him her cherished Thor helmet. It's a simple yet heartwarming scene that showcases Columbus's ability to create genuine and touching moments within a comedic context.
While the film does contain some racially and sexually insensitive elements that haven't aged well, it's important to consider the context of its time. "Adventures in Babysitting" was not intentionally malicious but rather a product of a less enlightened era.
Judged by the standards of its day, the film stands as an above-average teen comedy with a positive message and genuine laughs. It's a testament to a first-time director embracing the creative process and delivering a fun and memorable experience. "Adventures in Babysitting" may be silly and nonsensical, but it holds a special place in popular culture that many continue to enjoy and revisit.
