Inspector Gadget

Cast: Matthew Broderick, Rupert Everett, Joely Fisher, Michelle Trachtenberg and Andy Dick.

Director: David Kellogg

Release Date: 1999

Running Time: 1hr 18 minutes

Genre: Family

Rating: U

Format: DVD

Synopsis:

Security guard John Brown's dreams come true when he is selected to be transformed into the very first cybernetic police officer known as Inspector Gadget.

Security guard John Brown (Broderick) dreams of becoming a police officer, however he can't seem to convince them that he is worthy enough. One night whilst on patrol, checking on a robotic surgeon Brenda who is working on an a new invention, he finds himself in a spot of trouble with bad guy Claw (Everett) who steals the invention killing her father in the process. John Brown sets off to capture him however his car is blown up in the process. Due to his kindness Brenda decides to turn him into the great police officer to ever live, Inspector Gadget.

Based on the fantastic cartoon of the same name. The nineties was a fantastic decade for family films. In 1999, the world was introduced to a live action version of the beloved cartoon series "Inspector Gadget", starring the wonderful Matthew Broderick as John Brown/Inspector Gadget, Broderick's characterisation and performance is absolutely superb, he really manages to capture the original character in looks and in personality. The sparks soon start to fly when he finds himself falling in love with Brenda.

In every family film, there must be a bad guy. Rupert Everett is absolutely fabulous as bad guy Claw. A wealthy man who is out to steal her invention with the help of his hilarious side-kicks Sikes and Kramer. Speaking of inventions, Brenda not only designs Inspector Gadget, but his trusty gadget-mobile too. A modified convertible, that's capable of doing anything and everything. My favourite personally being the sweet dispenser, who doesn't want an unlimited amount of skittles?

The storyline is magnificent, director David Kellogg has done a tremendous job at wrapping all of the episodes into one film. For a live action film it's excellent. Superbly written with a fair amount of tongue-in-cheek humour. The film shouldn't be taken seriously on any level. It's absolutely ridiculous, but that is what makes it so wonderfully entertaining, people of all ages can relate to it, what's more amazing is that the original "Inspector Gadget" is still being shown today.

Brilliantly shot, it has that real family film vibe to it. Fun and entertaining, with fantastic cinematography and production design. Not to forget an excellent soundtrack that works excellently with the characters and the storyline. Director David Kellogg went to great lengths to make it as much like the original show as possible, right down to John's dog Brains and the original catchy "Inspector Gadget" theme.

A wonderful family film, Go Gadget Go!

5/5 stars