The Kid (2000)

Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer and Lily Tomlin star in this 2000 comedy. This takes place in L.A. and Willis (Die Hard) plays Russ Duritz, a cynical, image-consultant who's about to celebrate his birthday. Soon, he's visited by 8-year-old kid, Rusty (Breslin) whom he learns is his childhood self and they help each other face their challenges/obstacles of the past and future. Mortimer (Scream 3) plays Amy, a friend & co-worker of Russ and Tomlin (9 to 5) plays his secretary, Janet. I've always liked this film, it's got humorous and a couple of heartfelt moments and Willis & Breslin are great in it. I recommend this.

Russ Duritz (Bruce Willis) is a successful 40 year old L.A. image consultant. Janet (Lily Tomlin) is his secretary. His assistant Amy (Emily Mortimer) is concerned about his latest job. While stuck in a traffic jam, he is almost hit by a fly biplane but then the plane is gone. He finds a red toy plane and a boy (Spencer Breslin) in his apartment. He chases the kid and he disappears. The boy reappears at his apartment claiming to be Rusty. It dawns on Russ that Rusty is his younger self.The idea is OK and the execution is fine. It's a little hard to feel for Russ. It may be easier to feel for him if he is suffering as an adult. His adult character is too hard and cold. I don't think Bruce Willis projects the right persona at the start. He could suffer panic attacks and Rusty helps him overcome them. This is a simple story and it mostly almost works.

The Kid is a lot more enjoyable than the cover makes it out to be. This isn't your average inspirational Disney classic. The Kid charms its way through all audiences from the comedy lovers to the critics. I must however to two downsides. There might be times were the conversations sometimes runs flat and the rules of the phenomenon may some draw confusion. However, it is barely noticeable next to the impressive balance clean humor and good storytelling. It has a way to suck everyone into the dynamics of the plot. The Kid has something for everyone to enjoy. Overall, it is a guaranteed memorable movie! So if you are looking for a feel good movie or just something to watch with the folks, the you've got the perfect movie!

The whole idea of someone meeting a younger version of themselves pops up in films quite a bit and this film is perhaps one of the better examples.The Kid is a mildly amusing film,that certainly has a lot of heart behind it. Bruce Willis reminds us why he is such a good comedic performer and is well supported by Lilly Tomlin and Emily Mortimer (who is not nearly as annoying here as she is in the terrible 'The Newsroom').However the star of the show is undoubtedly Spencer Breslin, who went on to be just as cute in The Santa Clause 2...and poor in The Santa Clause 3. In this though he's great and the relationship between him and Willis is the shining light of the film (apart from a nice cameo by Matthew Perry).Sadly though the film is slow at times and quite heavy on the sentiment. I know for some people it is the film of their childhood but for me it's just another average Disney film.