Don't Tell Mum The Babysitters Dead

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead is a vibrant and engaging 90s comedy-drama that follows the bombastic high jinks of five siblings left to their own devices. It prominently features the talented Christina Applegate and Joanna Cassidy, among others, and presents a circus of chaotic relationships and delightfully zany exploits.

Christina Applegate assumes the character of Sue Ellen Crandell, popularly dubbed as 'Swell', the eldest in a band of five siblings ranging from a tender age of six to a mature seventeen. As the archetypical feisty teenager emboldened with sass and spur, Applegate's portrayal of Sue Ellen encapsulates the quintessential spirit of 90s rebellion.

Joanna Cassidy, on the other hand, exudes her charm and charisma as Rose Lindsey, the effervescent and whimsical fashion executive who hires Sue Ellen without realizing that she has no prior experience. Cassidy’s character complements the narrative by offering both a friendly accomplice and a stern taskmaster rolled into one.

The narrative of Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead begins with the children's mother heading off to a two-month vacation in Australia, ensuring that the kids have a responsible yet authoritarian elderly babysitter, Mrs. Sturak, to take care of them. However, when Mrs. Sturak dies unexpectedly early into the mother's vacation, the siblings, initially overjoyed with their newfound freedom, soon discover that being in charge isn't as fun, or as easy, as they thought it would be.

With no adult supervision, the house gradually descends into chaos- cue dirty laundry littering about, dishes piling up and money running low. The power dynamics among the siblings come into play, leading to hilarious circumstances, misgivings, and minor battles. However, when the lack of funds brings them to their wits' end, it's up to Sue Ellen to step up and take control of the situation.

The mature teenager dons the cloak of responsibility, albeit unwillingly, and steps into the real-world job market, lying about her age and experience to land herself a coveted position as an executive administrative assistant at General Apparel West (GAW), a uniform manufacturing company. Sue Ellen becomes the ersatz matriarch of the house, balancing her hectic work life with the responsibilities of the household, fostering a sense of family unity, and maintaining the façade of an adult woman all at once.

Rose Lindsey, played by Joanna Cassidy - the inquisitive yet kind-hearted boss at GAW, embodies a mentor-like figure in Sue Ellen's work-life journey. Her eccentric character adds a unique flavor to the narrative, unveiling the cut-throat world of business yet reminding us of the importance of compassion and empathy.

Through a series of scandalous escapades, comedic high jinks and emotional turning points, the movie hilariously and yet poignantly, takes us along the journey of these youngsters as they navigate their way through independence, maturity, responsibility, and the power of familial bonds. The movie is a huge throwback to classic 90s culture and a fine tribute to the comedy of errors genre, offering an exciting blend of comedy and drama that everyone in the family will enjoy.

While the film hinges primarily on comedy, it doesn't shy away from shedding light on key issues, such as the trials and tribulations of adolescence, the significance of camaraderie among siblings, the pressure of balancing work with home life, and the journey from adolescence to adulthood.

The characters in the movie are each uniquely lovable, spirited, and perfectly flawed in their ways, offering a nuanced layer to the overall narrative. Elements of romance, adventure, and lots of humor makes the movie's vibe strikingly relatable and nostalgically riveting.

Although ‘Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead’ is decked with humor and chaos, it has a strong underlying message on growing up and facing the real world’s challenges head-on. This shockingly delightful and juicy film, with its interspersions of 90s style, rebellious humor, adolescent dilemmas, and the tribulations of adulthood, makes for an absolutely engaging watch.