DON'T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER'S DEAD (1993) ** Brilliant in its simplicity plot is betrayed by transparent proselytizing and propaganda. I mean, yeah, the bong sessions are looking pretty dreary (with all that cash floating around they couldn't afford beer to counterbalance the conversation-stifling attributes of the weed?), but how could anyone think that the catering gig was better? In a similar vein, the corporate schmoes whom Christina Applegate encounters more than trump any California high school clique in terms of superficiality and pettiness. And yet, we're supposed to believe that "graduating" into such worlds is "progress." Keep an eye on the school uniform subtext-conformity can be fascinating if we just add epaulets! My ass. I mean, seriously, even the writers couldn't doom Christina to any more time with the dull guy outclassed by his own car...they leave her with a smile and the guy in the hot dog cart! With the understanding that they both have to make some compromises later. Could have been an all-time loser if not for the charm of Ms. Applegate. She shows a lot more versatility and depth than she was allowed on "Married With Children," and more than a little promise in the leading lady department. Unfortunately she, and Joanna Cassidy, are bedecked in some of the least flattering attire this side of burkas. How much can a sensible person be expected to commiserate with a girl running around in shoulder pads and balloon pants?
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