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Poster for Parents

1989 | 82 min | Horror, Comedy

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With a box office loss and a lukewarm 5.9 out of 10 from audiences, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh and horror fans. If you loved Fright Night, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Scary.
The pace
Breezy, at 1 hr 22 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: meant for adults.

Michael is a young boy living in a typical 1950s suburbanite home... except for his bizarre and horrific nightmares, and continued unease around his parents. Young Michael begins to suspect his parents are cooking more than just hamburgers on the grill outside, but has trouble explaining his fears to his new-found friend Sheila, or the school's social worker.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    64% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    5.9 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Independent Spirit Award.

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $871K worldwide on a $3 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 19K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Bob Balaban

  • Randy QuaidNick Laemle
  • Mary Beth HurtLily Laemle
  • Sandy DennisMillie Dew
  • Bryan MadorskyMichael Laemle
  • Juno Mills-CockellSheila Zellner
  • Kathryn GrodyMiss Judith Baxter
  • Deborah RushMrs. Gladys Zellner
  • Graham JarvisMr. Marty Zellner
  • Helen CarscallenGrandmother
  • Warren Van EveraGrandfather