Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Still Holds Up (Especially the Effects!)

Okay, so I re-watched "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" the other day and man, it's still a blast! I was specifically paying attention to the special effects this time around, and honestly, for 1989, they are amazing. The giant oatmeal cream pie? The bee? Seriously impressive. I know it probably looks a bit dated now to younger audiences, but the scale of everything is so well done. You really feel like they're tiny! I read somewhere they used forced perspective a lot, and you can kinda see it, but it's integrated seamlessly. It seems like practical effects were still king back then. The sound design also stuck out to me. The amplified insect noises, especially the buzzing of the bee when it's attacking them in the jungle-like backyard (amazing set design, btw), really adds to the tension. It really goes to show how sound can make or break a movie, even a kids' movie. I bet those effects were more complicated because they weren't simple sound effects. They're very layered! I will say, Rick Moranis as Wayne Szalinski is a comedic genius. I always felt bad for him, constantly messing things up but ultimately trying to do the right thing. And Marcia Strassman as Diane? Total mom goals. Even though the plot is kinda ridiculous, the performances really sell it. I think the only thing that didn't age well were some of the stereotypes with the younger kids, especially Russ Thompson Jr., but hey, it was a different time. Overall, it's a fun, nostalgic movie that's still enjoyable today. If you're looking for a dose of old-school practical effects and some genuinely good family entertainment, give it a watch. And pay attention to the sound and visual effects – they're a real treat from a bygone era of filmmaking!