Mouse Hunt (Mousehunt) (1997)

43% of critics liked it
(30 reviews)
50% of users liked it
(170,235 ratings)

Gore Verbinski, the TV-commercials director responsible for the Budweiser frogs, directed this Adam Rifkin screenplay about two brothers (Nathan Lane and Lee Evans) who inherit a string factory and a decaying country home after the death of their father (the late William Hickey, in his last role).… More Gore Verbinski, the TV-commercials director responsible for the Budweiser frogs, directed this Adam Rifkin screenplay about two brothers (Nathan Lane and Lee Evans) who inherit a string factory and a decaying country home after the death of their father (the late William Hickey, in his last role). After moving in, they learn that the house has historical architectural importance and is valued in the millions. However, they are constantly tormented by a mouse within the walls. They engage in cartoon-like combat against the rodent, but it manages to outwit the brothers in successive situations. Both live and animatronic mice portray the title role, and some scenes assume the mouse's point of view. The film is dedicated to William Hickey. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Gore Verbinski
Written By: Rif Coogan
Genres: Comedy, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Dec 19, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Dec 1, 1998
Studio: Dreamworks

Critic Reviews

Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media
A vivacious, clever slapstick comedy.
Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com
Dickens meets Wile E. Coyote.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Alexander D

OK+
AJ V

This movie will please young kids with its stupid cat and mouse slapstick humor, but others will not find it funny.
Michael E

a great and funny plot with great acting and comedy, where can you go wrong with christopher walken as an exterminator
erika b

really funny.
Conner R

A fun, yet ridiculous kids movie. It has a lot of over-acting and silly characters that go far overboard. It's just nowhere near as entertaining as it possibly could have been and a giant waste of time. Gore Verbinski has clearly grown tremendously since this and learned from his… More
A fun, yet ridiculous kids movie. It has a lot of over-acting and silly characters that go far overboard. It's just nowhere near as entertaining as it possibly could have been and a giant waste of time. Gore Verbinski has clearly grown tremendously since this and learned from his mistakes.
Anthony L

It?s fun and it has its moments but is slightly marred by dodgy CGI!
Jason O

Always liked this movie; well worth having went to see it at the theater
Candy R

Excellent cast. Two brothers inherit a house, but it is ruined by a mouse. Hilarious comedy.
Rachel F

Really cute. I happen to love Nathan Lane, so I really enjoyed his part in this movie. It'll make you laugh.
Film C

i love this film its sweet and reli funny i love lee evans he is a born comedian reli funny worth watching wont be disappointed
Dean M

This is the most funniest movie of the year for children and adult as what I think of a mouse is like Jerry in 'Tom and Jerry' cartoons.
Steven V

This movie is an underrated movie and it's popularity is very small. Yes, it is a simple and predictable film, but it is just so funny. The story is incredibly hilarious. The way how it is made is funny, pure fun and this makes it incredibly entertaining. Nathan Lane is great as… More
This movie is an underrated movie and it's popularity is very small. Yes, it is a simple and predictable film, but it is just so funny. The story is incredibly hilarious. The way how it is made is funny, pure fun and this makes it incredibly entertaining. Nathan Lane is great as Ernie Smuntz and the same goes to Lee Evans as Lars.
Juan C

it's fresh, it's hytericlly hillarious, it's a visually animated live action tom and jerry that will make you want to watch it again and again and again! A+
Deb S

A hilarious tale of two brothers Ernie (Nathan Lane) and Lars Smuntz (Lee Evans) in need of money who have inherited an old house worth millions from their late father. As they start fixing it up, they realize it is inhabited by a mouse not willing to give it up without a fight, and… More
A hilarious tale of two brothers Ernie (Nathan Lane) and Lars Smuntz (Lee Evans) in need of money who have inherited an old house worth millions from their late father. As they start fixing it up, they realize it is inhabited by a mouse not willing to give it up without a fight, and so the battle for the house begins. I like the way the mouse always comes back; he appears to be more clever than either of them lol. Christopher Walken stars as an obsessive exterminator (which was my favorite scene) who takes his job very seriously by trying to get inside the mouse's mind but this mouse is way too smart for even that. May not be for all ages as it is full of not so subtle sexual innuendo but certainly recommended for those of us who will appreciate it for its witty humor and outrageous slapstick!
Andrew F

It was okay. Pretty funny in places. The ending is good.
Curt C

A live action cartoon, and a hilarious one at that. Nathan Lane steals the show.
Nay Nay B

Very unbalanced, but an adorable little story.
Marion R

I thought this was cute!
Sunil J

Nathan Lane should be embarrased to have been in this.
Sarah B

For Lee Evans, who's at his slapstick best, for the mouse who steals the film and for the idea in the first place. Look at who the director is...