Remember the hilarious chaos of 1991’s black comedy Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead? That wacky tale of teenage independence and unfortunate demise is getting a modern-day makeover. And it’s packing a surprising punch in its suitcase. Forget PG-13 shenanigans because this remake aims for an R-rating, raising eyebrows and anticipation in equal measure.
A New Take:
News of the remake first broke in 2020, with Treehouse Pictures promising a “diverse remake” centered on a family navigating the unexpected after their mom leaves town. Director Bille Woodruff (“Yellowjackets”) and writer Chuck Hayward (“WandaVision”) are reportedly joining forces to concoct a “new interpretation” that’s both witty and relevant to today’s world, at least that was the case, the last time we heard.
The latest buzz surrounding the project isn’t about clever dialogue or social commentary. The official MPA rating is R. Yes, the film that once tickled our teenage funny bones with its PG-13 antics is stepping into more mature territory. The reason? “Teen drug use, language, and some sexual references.” Sounds like this babysitter’s demise might come with a few extra twists that weren’t part of the original recipe.
The Original:
In the original, starring Christina Applegate, Josh Charles, and a young Danielle Harris, and directed by Stephen Herek, two teens and their three siblings are left with a babysitter when their mom has to go out of town. But when the old woman turns up dead, the kids are left to their own devices, learning important lessons and teamwork along the way.
Adding to the intrigue, original cast member Danielle Harris dropped a tantalizing hint on ComicBook.com. “Just know there’s something fabulous that has been worked on,” she teased, leaving fans wondering what surprises await in this updated adventure.
Could Harris herself be reprising her role in some unexpected way? Will the new characters grapple with issues beyond babysitter-related mayhem? And most importantly, will the essence of the original – that bittersweet blend of dark humor and coming-of-age angst – remain intact under this R-rated veneer?
Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: this modern take on Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead has piqued our curiosity. It’s a fresh reinvention that could either breathe new life into a beloved classic or leave fans yearning for the days of the past. Either way, prepare for a babysitting experience like no other when this reimagined adventure hits the big screen.
Get ready for a wild ride when Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead returns with a spicy new twist. Remember, what happens when Mom’s gone might not be suitable for all audiences this time. Check out the original movie’s trailer below. You can find the original streaming on Tubi for free.
