The Kid

2000 Fantasy

If you could talk to the child that you used to be, what advice would you give him? That question forms the basis of this comic fantasy. Forty-year-old Russ Duritz (Bruce Willis) is a wealthy and powerful "image consultant" who has made a career out of telling people how to present themselves. But while he's a success in business, he's a failure in life; he's vain, mean-spirited, and hasn't been able to hold onto a marriage (or even a pet dog). One day, Russ is startled to meet Rusty (Spencer Breslin), a stocky kid whom he soon realizes is himself at the age of eight, having passed through a wrinkle in time. Young Rusty doesn't seem much happier than the grown-up Russ, so the older man takes his younger self under his wing and tries to teach him how to avoid the mistakes he's made, while Rusty encourages Russ to be a more caring human being. Along the way, Russ and Rusty become friends, and realize how much they can learn from each other. Disney's The Kid also stars Jean Smart as one of Russ' clients, Lily Tomlin as his assistant, and Daniel Von Bargen as his father. more..

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Starring: Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer, Lily Tomlin, Jean Smart

Reviews

  • Warm-hearted and effective.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • A parable for adults -- particularly men.

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    27 April 2013

  • The result is fine fantasy fun.

    David Sterritt - Christian Science Monitor

    27 April 2013

  • Too bad The Kid gets bogged down in its sentimental manipulations. It has more going for it than you might suppose.

    Jay Carr - The Boston Globe

    27 April 2013

  • This slight, predictable comedy has appealing moments.

    Peter Stack - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Performance by a Younger Actor

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2001)

     
  • Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actor Age Ten or Under

    Young Artist Awards (2001)