House Arrest (1996)

Originally Reviewed 

Wednesday October 24, 2007

House Arrest is one of those kooky types of dysfunctional family films that bases it's entire plot around a solution that may be a little far out and unbelievable but if actually put to the test in real life might have a good chance of succeeding. What appeals to me most about this film is that it manages to set forth a good message while at the same time does it in a way that is fun and enjoyable for all.

On their parents 18th wedding anniversary Grover Beindorf and his little sister Stacy discover some shocking news, their parents are separating. While they insist they aren't getting a divorce, only taking a little time off from each other, it's quite clear nothing good would come of it. In a fit of desperation Grover does the only thing he can think of which might help bring his parents back together... lock them in the basement.

He hoped by doing this it would give them the time needed to work out their problems, but Grover's half baked plan quickly begins to spiral into a big time felony. When a couple of the kids at school get wind of Grover's "house arrest" they decide to kidnap their own parents and stuff them in Grover's basement to work out their relationship issues as well. Now Grover's got a real problem on his hands, he along with his friends have to attempt to bring their parents closer together before the adults escape and possibly murder them all for this stunt, or the nosy neighbor across the street finds out what's going on!

It's been a long time since I last saw this film and it was an enjoyable re-watch. The plot of the film is corny, but honestly with the divorce rate the way it is nowadays if parents took the time to think about the effect their actions have on their children maybe they'd be more likely to work their problems out instead of acting so selfishly. And also if kids showed a little more care for their parents and voiced their feelings maybe it would have some effect as well. While the feelings and actions of the kids and the parents in this film seem a little out of place in society today, I think a little "house arrest" might actually be the solution to lowering a staggering divorce rate that only seems to be rising. Either way House Arrest is a descent amount of fun that still manages to provide a message that's suitable for both kids and adults, and is a nice early film for fans of Jennifer Love Hewitt. 

8/10