Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Dennis the Menace

film

Dennis the Menace

1993

Mr. Wilson's ever-present annoyance comes in the form of one mischievous kid named Dennis. But he'll need Dennis's tricks to uncover a collection of gold coins that go missing when a shady drifter named Switchblade Sam comes to town.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Graphic injury1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Generic brand mention (Chiclets) and general commercial nature of the franchise.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor injuries consistent with slapstick humor; no graphic gore.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild language and name-calling typical of a children's comedy.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Mild references to a babysitter's boyfriend.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The villain character, Switchblade Sam, is intended to be menacing, and Dennis is kidnapped, which may be briefly intense for very young viewers.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild innuendo typical of PG-rated family films from this era.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent cartoonish slapstick, including shots to the crotch, fire, and a character being hit by a train's rope.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Dennis shows boldness and resourcefulness while confronting a burglar, though some actions are reckless rather than safely courageous.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Dennis uses inventive, imaginative problem-solving with household objects and comic improvisation to escape danger and expose the burglar.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Features a standard ensemble cast typical of early 90s suburban family settings.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Parents, friends, and neighbors search for Dennis and reconcile; George overcomes his anger and helps protect him.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The story supports family care, accountability, cooperation, and recognizing that apparent mischief may reveal a real danger, while treating reckless pranks as comedy.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Dennis is resourceful and ultimately helps recover the coins, but his repeated unsafe pranks cause substantial harm; adults eventually protect and support him.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in Dennis the Menace would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Dennis the Menace, and what caused that change?
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