Inspector Gadget (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
John Brown is a bumbling but well-intentioned security guard who is badly injured in an explosion planned by an evil mastermind. He is taken to a laboratory, where Brenda, a leading robotics surgeon, replaces his damaged limbs with state-of-the-art gadgets and tools. Named "Inspector Gadget" by the press, John -- along with his niece, Penny, and her trusty dog, Brain -- uses his new powers to discover who was behind the explosion.
Rated PG • 1999 • 1h 18m
This live-action adaptation of the classic cartoon earns its PG rating for slapstick action that is sometimes surprisingly intense for a kids' film. Parents should be aware of a scene where hero John Brown's body is shown blown into comedic pieces after a car explosion, and another where the villain's hand is graphically crushed by a bowling ball. The film also contains some mild sexual innuendo, including a recurring joke about a… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Inspector Gadget appropriate for kids?
This live-action adaptation of the classic cartoon earns its PG rating for slapstick action that is sometimes surprisingly intense for a kids' film. Parents should be aware of a scene where hero John Brown's body is shown blown into comedic pieces after a car explosion, and… Read more — free account
Content severity in Inspector Gadget
What happens in Inspector Gadget, moment by moment
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:09 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:10 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in Inspector Gadget
This category contains mild innuendo and sight gags. In one slapstick sequence, Gadget's malfunctioning hand accidentally grabs a man in the groin; the man is then shown with a high-pitched voice and a large ice pack on his crotch. A robotic double of Brenda appears in a very low-cut, tight-fitting purple outfit and dances suggestively. Elsewhere, Gadget makes monkey noises at a woman bending over. Gadget and Brenda share a few romantic kisses.
Violence and gore in Inspector Gadget
Violence is frequent but highly stylized, cartoonish, and played for slapstick comedy. Early in the film, a character is murdered off-screen. A major sequence involves John Brown's car exploding; he is then shown as a charred, dismembered (but living) collection of body parts. The villain, Scolex, has his hand graphically crushed flat by a bowling ball, leading to him getting his signature claw. There are several scenes of property destruction, chases, and fights, including a battle between Gadget and an evil…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Inspector Gadget
Language is very mild. According to IMDb user reports, the film contains at most one use each of "damn," "hell," and "pissed off."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Inspector Gadget
Substance use is minimal. The villain, Dr. Claw, is occasionally seen smoking a cigar. In one instance, a cigar he throws is revealed to be a disguised stick of dynamite. In another scene, characters are at a formal party where champagne is being served, and one character quickly drinks a glass.
Mature themes in Inspector Gadget
The film's central themes involve a man's struggle with his new cyborg body and identity. The death of a parent is a plot point, as Brenda's father is murdered by the villain early on, though this is not shown and is not a focus of heavy grief. The hero has a near-death experience, being blown up and left for dead before being rebuilt. There are also moments of peril where the main characters are in danger from the villains and their contraptions.
Scary moments in Inspector Gadget
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Inspector Gadget yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inspector Gadget appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Inspector Gadget is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. This live-action adaptation of the classic cartoon earns its PG rating for slapstick action that is sometimes surprisingly intense for a kids' film. Parents should be aware of a scene where hero John Brown's body is…
What age rating does Inspector Gadget have?
Inspector Gadget is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Inspector Gadget about?
This live-action adaptation of the classic cartoon earns its PG rating for slapstick action that is sometimes surprisingly intense for a kids' film. Parents should be aware of a scene where hero John Brown's body is shown blown into comedic pieces after a car explosion, and another where the villain's hand is…
Is there sex or nudity in Inspector Gadget?
This category contains mild innuendo and sight gags. In one slapstick sequence, Gadget's malfunctioning hand accidentally grabs a man in the groin; the man is then shown with a high-pitched voice and a large ice pack on his crotch. A robotic double of Brenda…
How violent is Inspector Gadget?
Violence is frequent but highly stylized, cartoonish, and played for slapstick comedy. Early in the film, a character is murdered off-screen. A major sequence involves John Brown's car exploding; he is then shown as a charred, dismembered (but living)…
Is the language in Inspector Gadget appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild. According to IMDb user reports, the film contains at most one use each of "damn," "hell," and "pissed off."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Inspector Gadget?
Substance use is minimal. The villain, Dr. Claw, is occasionally seen smoking a cigar. In one instance, a cigar he throws is revealed to be a disguised stick of dynamite. In another scene, characters are at a formal party where champagne is being served, and…
What mature themes appear in Inspector Gadget?
The film's central themes involve a man's struggle with his new cyborg body and identity. The death of a parent is a plot point, as Brenda's father is murdered by the villain early on, though this is not shown and is not a focus of heavy grief. The hero has a…
How long is Inspector Gadget?
Inspector Gadget runs 78 minutes, directed by David Kellogg, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full Inspector Gadget parent guide?
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