“She’s Out of Control” (1989) is a comedy about a father’s overprotective tendencies towards his daughter. The movie uses exaggerated humor to show how the daughter’s transformation, from girl to woman, creates chaos in the father’s life. The film is fast-paced, witty, and at times absurd. It showcases the complexities of father-daughter relationships in a lighthearted way.
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Review
She’s Out of Control: A Delightfully Wacky Comedy for the Whole Family
Are you in the mood for a lighthearted and hilarious movie that celebrates the joys and challenges of parenting? Look no further than She’s Out of Control, a 1989 gem that showcases the talents of Tony Danza, Catherine Hicks, and an adorable teenage girl named Ami Dolenz. Directed by Stan Dragoti and written by Neil Levy and Michael J. Nathanson, this movie may not have won any major awards or critical accolades, but it remains a beloved classic for those who appreciate quirky humor, zany plot twists, and heartwarming moments.
The premise of She’s Out of Control may sound familiar: Doug Simpson (Danza) is a widowed father who struggles to connect with his growing daughter Katie (Dolenz) after years of treating her like a tomboy. When Katie returns from a summer camp as a strikingly beautiful young woman with sophisticated tastes and romantic ambitions, Doug freaks out and enlists the help of his friend and neighbor Woody (Wallace Shawn) to coach him on how to be more strict and assertive. However, Doug soon realizes that he has gone too far when Katie rebels against his rules and starts dating several guys, including one much older man whom Doug suspects is a pervert.
What elevates She’s Out of Control above many other teen comedies is its willingness to tackle complex issues such as gender roles, sexuality, cultural clashes, generational gaps, and peer pressure without resorting to cheap stereotypes or preachy messages. While some scenes may seem dated or corny (such as the rap music video that Doug dreams up), most of the humor arises from the witty dialogue, physical comedy, facial expressions, and subtle digs at popular culture. For example:
– “Your ass is ringing.” – Woody discovers that Doug has a beeper to track Katie’s movements.
– “I’m taking ballet.” – Katie reveals her newfound passion for dance, which Doug dismisses as girly.
– “If I had a voice like that, I’d try out for Star Search.” – Doug comments on one of Katie’s suitors who sings in a high-pitched falsetto.
– “I’ll pay you $20 if you let me wear your brassiere.” – One of Doug’s colleagues makes a cringeworthy joke.
Another strength of She’s Out of Control is its charming cast, who infuse their characters with warmth, energy, and chemistry. Danza, best known for his roles in Who’s the Boss? and Taxi, brings his signature combination of tough guy charm and vulnerability to Doug, who undergoes a comedic transformation from clueless dad to overprotective ogre to loving father. Hicks, who played Karen Barclay in Child’s Play and later starred in 7th Heaven, balances her role as the supportive but independent mother with grace and humor. Shawn, who has appeared in many Woody Allen films and TV shows like The Princess Bride and Clueless, steals every scene he’s in as the neurotic Woody.
But the real star of She’s Out of Control is Dolenz, whose performance as Katie is both hilarious and endearing. The daughter of Micky Dolenz from The Monkees band (who also provides some songs for the soundtrack), Ami exudes natural charisma and comic timing that make her character memorable long after the movie ends. Whether she’s making faces at her dad’s blunders or chatting with her friends about boys or dancing in a tutu to impress a boy at school or confronting him after he tries to go too far with her on a date, Katie embodies the spirit of teenage rebellion and resilience that many viewers can relate to. Her scenes with Danza are particularly poignant as they reveal the underlying love and respect that Doug has for his daughter, even when he messes up.
The visual style of She’s Out of Control may not be as flashy or innovative as other comedies of its era, but it still showcases some clever camera tricks and editing choices. For example, the opening credits sequence shows a montage of photos and toys from Katie’s childhood, accompanied by a catchy song called “She’s Out of Control” (performed by Stacy Q), which sets the upbeat tone for the movie. Then we see Doug struggling to cope with the sudden transformation of his daughter, whose beauty is emphasized through slow-motion shots and close-ups that capture her curls, lips, and smile. The use of split screens during some scenes adds a playful touch that enhances the chaotic atmosphere.
The soundtrack of She’s Out of Control features a mix of upbeat pop songs from the late 80s (such as “Wild Wild West” and “Good Enough”) that add to the fun mood. However, some viewers may also appreciate the charming ballads by Micky Dolenz (“That Was Then”) and Timothy B. Schmit (“Boys’ Night Out”), which convey the emotional depth of some scenes. The score by Alan Silvestri, who composed music for many classic movies like Back to the Future and Forrest Gump, helps to set the tone for each scene with its jazzy undertones and lively beats.
In terms of its popularity and legacy, She’s Out of Control may not have been a box office smash or a critical darling when it came out in 1989, but it has endured as a cult classic that resonates with many viewers who grew up watching it on TV or VHS tapes. Its themes of family dynamics, self-discovery, and humor transcend time periods and cultural borders and appeal to audiences young and old who appreciate unpretentious entertainment. Some critics have revisited the movie with more positive reviews, acknowledging its cheesy charm and cultural significance. For example, in a 2011 article for The A.V. Club, Nathan Rabin wrote that “She’s Out Of Control is much better than it has any right to be. It balances broad comedy with moments of genuine poignancy… and nails the complex dynamics of the father-daughter relationship better than a lot of movies that aim much higher.”
So if you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cringe, and swoon (in a non-creepy way), check out She’s Out of Control and enjoy the ride. You may discover that it still has some tricks up its sleeve after all these years. As Doug would say: “Who knows? Maybe she really is out of control.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 97
- Release : 1989-04-14
- Genre : Comedy, Romance
- Cast : Tony Danza as Doug Simpson, Catherine Hicks as Janet Pearson, Wallace Shawn as Dr. Fishbinder, Dick O’Neill as Mr. Pearson, Ami Dolenz as Katie Simpson
- Crew : Alan Silvestri as Original Music Composer, David L. Snyder as Production Design, Amanda Mackey as Casting, John Warnke as Set Designer, David R. Ellis as Stunts
- Popularity 13.482
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : $12,065,892
- Company : Weintraub Entertainment Group, Columbia Pictures
- Summary : A Los Angeles radio-station manager’s girlfriend shows his teenage daughter how to be sexy.
- Tagline : Girls go wild, boys go crazy, and dads go nuts!
