Kindergarten Cop (1990)

This undemanding picture proves that Arnold Schwarzenegger can do comedy, provided he doesn’t try too hard.

He plays tough Los Angeles cop John Kimble, who is forced to teach toddlers while searching undercover for a crook’s ex-wife and son in the hope that her testimony will put him away.

Arnie is actually at his best jousting with the little tykes, while the romance with Penelope Ann Miller is less convincing, but not overly intrusive.

Surprisingly few of the kids went on to become major child stars though director Ivan Reitman found a minor part for his teenage son, Jason, who went on to direct Juno.

Richard Tyson and Carroll Baker make almost pantomime baddies, but this isn’t really a children’s film and parents should keep the channel-changer handy for the more violent bits.

Detective John Kimble
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Joyce
Penelope Ann Miller
Phoebe O’Hara
Pamela Reed
Miss Scholwski
Linda Hunt
Cullen Crisp
Richard Tyson
Eleanor Crisp
Carroll Baker
Sylvester’s mother
Cathy Moriarty
Samantha’s mother
Park Overall
Zach’s Mother
Jayne Brook

Director
Ivan Reitman