In the pantheon of 80s films, there are movies that define a genre, movies that define an era, and movies that do both with a quirky sense of adventure. Adventures in Babysitting is one of those rare gems. Directed by Chris Columbus in his feature film debut, the 1987 comedy takes what should have been a quiet suburban babysitting gig and transforms it into a wild, action-packed odyssey through the chaotic streets of Chicago. For anyone who grew up in the VHS era, this movie was a rite of passage—proof that even the most mundane night could turn into the adventure of a lifetime.
At the heart of Adventures in Babysitting is Elisabeth Shue, whose portrayal of high school senior Chris Parker became iconic for anyone who’s ever had to hold it together while everything falls apart. From the moment she lip-syncs to Then He Kissed Me in the opening sequence, Shue establishes Chris as a relatable and capable heroine. Her transformation from a heartbroken teen stood up by her boyfriend to a quick-thinking leader protecting her charges is the movie’s emotional core. It was Shue’s first lead role, and her performance is so effortless and charming that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the part.
But the charm of the film doesn’t stop at its lead. Each character brings their own quirky energy to the story. Maia Brewton as Sara, the roller-skating Thor enthusiast, delivers a childlike earnestness that grounds the film’s more outlandish moments. Her obsession with the Marvel superhero Thor adds a layer of comic book whimsy to the story—an element that wasn’t in the original script. Marvel wasn’t yet the cinematic powerhouse it is today, so when director Chris Columbus suggested Thor as Sara’s idol, it was an unconventional but brilliant choice. Vincent D’Onofrio as a blond, hammer-wielding mechanic mistaken for the Norse god became an instant fan-favorite moment and remains one of the film’s most talked-about scenes.
The adventures themselves are a chaotic thrill ride, from dodging criminals after witnessing a car theft to navigating a blues bar with a strict house rule: “Nobody leaves without singing the blues.” That scene, an addition by Columbus, encapsulates the movie’s blend of tension and absurdity. Watching Chris and the kids awkwardly perform “The Babysitter Blues” while being chased by bad guys is not only hilarious but also emblematic of the film’s offbeat spirit.
Yet, for all its humor and lightheartedness, Adventures in Babysitting isn’t afraid to push boundaries. It was Disney’s first PG-13 movie, thanks to some colorful language and mature themes. The film captures a sense of danger and unpredictability that feels authentic, even amidst its comedic undertones. The stakes are real—Chris and her charges face legitimate peril—but the movie never loses its sense of fun.
What makes Adventures in Babysitting endure isn’t just its laugh-out-loud moments or its perfect encapsulation of 80s fashion and music (hello, The Crystals’ Then He Kissed Me). It’s the way the film balances chaos with heart. Beneath the ridiculous scenarios and over-the-top antics lies a story about friendship, bravery, and learning to roll with life’s punches. Whether it’s Sara standing up for her “Thor” or Chris taking control of impossible situations, the characters show resilience and resourcefulness that make them relatable even decades later.
Today, Adventures in Babysitting stands as a quintessential snapshot of its time. Sure, some moments might make modern viewers cringe (like an ill-advised derogatory remark about Thor that even the creators regret), but its core message of facing life’s challenges with humor and courage remains timeless.
For anyone who’s never seen it, or for fans ready to revisit the madness, Adventures in Babysitting is worth every second. It’s a love letter to the messy unpredictability of life, wrapped in a neon-lit, hilariously absurd package. From one superfan to another—let’s geek out over this 80s classic.
