House Arrest (1996)

8% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
44% of users liked it
(19,606 ratings)

Grover Reindorf (Kyle Howard) is a kid with a problem, which is how to keep his parents from divorcing. He hits on a solution that makes sense to him. Why not lock them up in the basement, and keep them there until they reconcile? He and his younger sister Stacey (Amy Sakasitz) agree to do just… More Grover Reindorf (Kyle Howard) is a kid with a problem, which is how to keep his parents from divorcing. He hits on a solution that makes sense to him. Why not lock them up in the basement, and keep them there until they reconcile? He and his younger sister Stacey (Amy Sakasitz) agree to do just that, and they successfully lure their parents into the basement and lock them in. When their junior-high-school friends find out what they've done, they decide that their own misbehaving parents need exactly the same treatment. One after another, all are tricked into entering into the Reindorf's basement. Meanwhile, upstairs, the youngsters have a very mild good time, as they can't even bring themselves to swallow the champagne they try. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Harry Winer
Written By: Michael Hitchcock
Genres: Comedy, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Aug 14, 1996 Wide
On DVD: Apr 2, 2002
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

Brandon Judell, Critics Inc./America Online
MGM can make millions with House Arrest. All they have to do is allow free admittance, and charge $10 a head for those wanting to run out of the theater before the end credits roll.
Robert Faires, Austin Chronicle
Mostly, we get a string of tame set-pieces, one-dimensional characterizations, odd continuity gaps, and heavy-handed attempts at feel-good sentiment.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

John H

Fun with an open mind.... but unforgivably poor in setting up and coming together.
Lucas M

"Kids lock up parents": Terrible spoiled children. Terrible written screenplay.
Dean M

This mean-spirited comedy only has very few laughs about the soon-to-be divorced couple's kids who decide to keep the parents locked in the basement for the best way to keep the family together.
Joseph E

I Think after a while, you see it's failed Attempt at a big blockbuster,and It's major Flaws.
Sunil J

Has some nice moments but was one of many mediocre movies around that time about parents splitting up.
Leo L

Hilarious!
Sarah P

A past childhood favorite and a guilty pleasure of today.