Key Takeaways:
• ‘Adventures in Babysitting,’ a teen comedy classic from 1987, uniquely intertwined Marvel’s character Thor.
• The movie’s original script was conceptualized by David Simkins.
• The film became the first PG-13-rated release under Disney’s Touchstone Pictures label.
• All major roles were perfectly cast, culminating in an unforgettable ride of a film.
• Despite an underwhelming initial response, word-of-mouth propelled its success, making it a commercial hit.
It was back in 1988 that Marvel’s Thor officially made his live-action debut in ‘The Incredible Hulk Returns.’ However, even before this, Thor had already made an indirect appearance in ‘Adventures in Babysitting,’ a 1987 teen comedy movie. Hard to believe, right?
The film is an adventurous journey of youngsters set in downtown Chicago, featuring their encounters with quirky characters and shocking situations, with the legendary Thor’s helmet on an eight-year-old girl who reveres Thor as real! Now, if that doesn’t spark curiosity, what would?
Journey to the Making of this Unconventional Film
David Simkins, credited with writing this unique script, initially conceived the story to revolve around a babysitter executing a massive heist. This did not entirely sit well with the producers but they found potential in the overall premise, and thus tweaked it into a series of smaller events.
Paramount Pictures, initially, had the right of first refusal. They eyed the teen sensation Molly Ringwald for the lead role. However, she turned it down, leading the movie to the welcoming doors of Touchstone Pictures, a Disney label, where it garnered a unique distinction—a PG-13 rating, the first one for a Disney movie!
Stand-Out Cast
From close to 150 auditions across the U.S and Canada, Elisabeth Shue, known fondly from ‘The Karate Kid,’ was cast as the lead, Chris Parker. Her role was instrumental, grounding the movie amid the exciting chaos around her.
The role of her charge, 8-year-old Sara (an ardent Thor fan!) was beautifully performed by Maia Brewton. Sara’s antics, especially with her elder brother, Brad (played perfectly by Keith Coogan), added a unique charm to the movie. Other significant characters contributed to the reckless yet unforgettable night that they all made it through!
The Marvelous Love for Marvel
Fun fact – the overwhelming presence of Thor in the film is credited to director Chris Columbus’s undying fondness for Marvel Comics. So, if you were wondering why Thor’s helmet appeared so frequently and why an eight-year-old was so fervent in her admiration for Thor, you now know why!
Witnessing Adventures with an Edgy Touch
Despite its appeal to young audiences, the movie never shied away from showcasing a bit of edginess. It unabashedly depicted characters driven by darker motives, making it a unique offering in the family-friendly category. Even with two straight F-bomb lines, it marginally escaped an R-rating, netting a PG-13 instead.
A White-Knuckle Roller Coaster Ride
‘Adventures in Babysitting’ amazed viewers then and continues to entertain today. It is funny, edgy, immersive, exciting, and ultimately, an enjoyable tale of adventure that no one should miss!
The performances were spot-on, making each character memorable. The unexpected encounter with gang members, an impromptu musical performance in a blues club, and a tension-filled visit to a hospital, all the while trying to save a runaway friend and retrieve a stolen car, ensured an absolute roller-coaster ride for the young protagonists and the viewers!
A major reason why this film still resonates with viewers young and old alike is its innocence. In the midst of chaos, the film beautifully portrays young minds navigating a complex world, their growth from that predicament contributing to a timeless storyline.
Keep your popcorn handy and revisit this fascinating journey of a movie, titled originally as ‘Adventures in Babysitting,’ but standing more aptly as a timeless adventure in filmmaking!
