The Kid Detective (2020) Movie Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEyiKNXsVGo&pp=ygUmVGhlIEtpZCBEZXRlY3RpdmUgKDIwMjApIE1vdmllIHRyYWlsZXI%3D
 

The Kid Detective is a mystery comedy drama film directed by Evan Morgan starring Adam Brody, Sophie Nélisse, Tzi Ma, and Wendy Crewson. With a runtime of 100 minutes and rated R, this unique blend of detective mystery, dark comedy, and coming of age drama takes a familiar childhood fantasy and explores what happens when that dream grows up. The movie has a quirky, thoughtful tone that balances humor with darker emotional themes, creating a story that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly mature. It is a clever little mystery with a lot of personality, even if it does not always hit every mark.

Brief Plot Overview

The film follows Abe Applebaum, a former child detective who became famous in his small town for solving neighborhood mysteries when he was younger. Years later, Abe is now an adult struggling to find purpose as his once celebrated detective career has faded away. When a teenager approaches him to investigate a serious crime, Abe gets the chance to take on a real case and prove that he is more than just a childhood memory.

What Worked

One of the movie’s biggest strengths is Adam Brody’s performance as Abe Applebaum. He perfectly captures the awkwardness of someone who never quite moved past their childhood glory days. Abe is funny, frustrating, and strangely relatable as he tries to figure out who he is when the world no longer sees him as the brilliant kid detective he once was.

The movie also has a great concept. The idea of a childhood detective growing into a disappointing adult is both funny and a little heartbreaking. It takes the innocence of classic mystery stories and contrasts it with the realities of adulthood, creating some genuinely interesting moments.

The mystery itself is handled well, with enough twists and clues to keep viewers curious. The film’s darker tone also helps it stand apart from traditional detective stories. It is not afraid to explore disappointment, regret, and the consequences of refusing to grow up.

What Didn’t Work

The biggest issue with The Kid Detective is that its slow pace will not work for everyone. The movie takes its time developing Abe and the world around him, but some viewers may find parts of the story drag before the mystery really takes off.

The humor is also very specific. The dry, awkward style will be hilarious for some audiences but may feel too subtle for those expecting a more traditional comedy. The movie has plenty of clever ideas, but not every joke or emotional moment lands as strongly as it could.

While the mystery is interesting, some of the darker elements feel like they belong in a different movie than the lighter detective comedy setup introduced at the beginning. The shift in tone is intentional, but it may feel uneven depending on what viewers expect going in.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, The Kid Detective is a creative and unusual mystery movie that succeeds because of its strong central performance and unique premise. It is not a perfect film, but it offers something different from the usual comedy or detective story. The movie is thoughtful, strange, and surprisingly emotional beneath its quirky surface.

Fans of dark comedies, character driven mysteries, and offbeat indie films will likely appreciate what it is trying to do. Those looking for a fast paced detective adventure may find it slower than expected.

Review

Best Part:
Adam Brody’s performance. He makes Abe a flawed but interesting character who keeps the movie engaging.

Worst Part:
The uneven pacing and occasional tonal shifts that make some parts feel disconnected.

Most Memorable Character and Why:
Abe Applebaum. His mix of confidence, insecurity, and nostalgia makes him a fascinating character to follow.

Would Rewatch?
Maybe

Final Rating:
6.5/10 Stars

Overall Rating:
6.5/10
Slightly above average. Enjoyable with noticeable flaws.

Final Recommendation:
Depends on your taste in movies

Tags:
#TheKidDetective #MysteryMovies #DarkComedy #ComedyDrama #AdamBrody #IndieMovies #DetectiveStories #2020Movies #CharacterDrivenFilms #OffbeatCinema