MOVIE REVIEW
Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Wade Allain-Marcus
Writer(s): Chuck Hayward
Cast: Simone Joy Jones, Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams, Jermaine Fowler, June Squibb, Nicole Richie
Where To Watch: available across digital platforms November 19. 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Wade Allain-Marcus takes a crack at updating a classic comedy into the modern era with his 2024 reboot of DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD, giving it a new twist while respecting its roots. This remake blends humor and thoughtful moments, perfectly capturing family chaos and adolescent independence. Standout performances by Simone Joy Jones as Tanya Crandell, Nicole Richie portraying Rose Lindsey, and Miles Fowler’s Bryan all inject heart and humor, making this film a fun bridge between generations.

Right from the start, Tanya, portrayed by Jones, faces an unexpected shift in her summer plans when her mother, played by Patricia Williams, jets off to a wellness retreat. This sudden change thrusts Tanya into the deep end, juggling the roles of makeshift guardian and sister while contending with a stern babysitter whose old-school methods are borderline draconian. The film cleverly navigates through the struggle for personal freedom against her responsibilities, providing light-hearted and sincere insights into the realities of growing up too soon.

Richie’s portrayal of Rose, Tanya’s boss, adds an unexpected twist to the narrative. Richie's character is crafted with a sharp wit and flair, making her scenes some of the film’s most memorable. The interaction between Tanya and Rose is beautifully depicted, showcasing a nuanced relationship that challenges and nurtures Tanya, propelling her journey from a carefree teen to a mature young adult.

The Crandell siblings, each uniquely delightful in their ways, bring charm to the screen. Kenny's (Donielle T. Hansley Jr.) laid-back approach to life, Melissa’s (Ayaamii Sledge) embrace of a more laid-back lifestyle, and Zac’s (Carter Young) sharp intellect combine to provide a rich puzzle of hilarious and heartwarming interactions. Their efforts to navigate an adult-free summer under their babysitter’s watchful eye make for some of the film's most engaging moments.

Some of the jokes and scenarios feel like retreads of past comedies, and certain plot developments could have been expanded to provide new perspectives rather than echoing the familiar beats from the original film. This would have been better suited as a limited series; however, these are minor gripes in an otherwise solid execution.

The movie embeds themes of racial identity and cultural shifts within its core, which resonates with a contemporary audience without feeling preachy. It’s an intelligent blend of humor and social commentary wrapped in the nostalgic warmth of a well-loved classic.

DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD moves quickly throughout the story without sacrificing the depth of its characters or the complexity of their relationships. It’s an enjoyable ride from start to finish, balancing clever dialogue with genuine sentiment, all while weaving in subtle themes that enhance the narrative's relevance.

This new take on DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD is a shining example of updating a classic film for new audiences without losing the charm and message that made the original beloved. It stands as a testament to the timeless nature of its story, appealing to both those new to the tale and those who grew up with the original.

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[photo courtesy of SHOUT! STUDIOS]

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