The Kid

The Kid

Year: 2000

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Budget: $65M

FantasyComedyFamily

A shy and insecure 13-year-old named Sylvester Coddmeyer III unexpectedly gains confidence when a mysterious mentor arrives, setting him on a path to baseball stardom. As Sylvester rises from obscurity, he experiences the challenges of team dynamics, family expectations, and the pressures of fame. He must also uncover the secrets behind his coach's enigmatic presence and discover the true source of his newfound abilities.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Kid (2000)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Kid (2000). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1968

In 1968, significant social and political changes were occurring in America, from the civil rights movement to new musical influences. This period was marked by youthful rebellion and the desire for self-discovery, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of both young Rusty and adult Russ as they navigate their own challenges.

Location

1968 America, Diner

The movie takes place primarily in 1968 America, a time known for its cultural shifts and social upheaval. It highlights the nostalgic aspects of youth and childhood experiences, while the mysterious diner serves as a magical portal that transcends time, offering a setting for key revelations and bonding moments between Russ and Rusty.

🕰️ Time Travel 🍽️ Diner

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

Main Characters – The Kid (2000)

Meet the key characters of The Kid (2000), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Russ Duritz (Bruce Willis)

Russ Duritz is a successful and demanding image consultant whose polished exterior masks a deeper turmoil. Workaholic and rich, he becomes increasingly aware of the need to reconnect with his childhood dreams, ultimately guiding his younger self towards fulfillment and self-acceptance.

👔 Professional 🌟 Reflective 🥊 Supportive

Rusty Duritz

Rusty is an innocent and hopeful eight-year-old who represents possibilities and the joys of youth. He challenges Russ's perception of success, offering a vivid contrast to his adult counterpart by embodying a carefree spirit and the desire to overcome adversity.

👶 Youthful 🍭 Innocent 🐣 Optimistic

Amy

Amy is a coworker of Russ who finds herself charmed by Rusty's youthful perspective. Her character highlights the stark differences between the innocence of childhood and the emotional burdens of adulthood, ultimately leading to a deeper connection with the characters.

👩‍💼 Supportive 💔 Compassionate 🌹 Romantic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

Major Themes – The Kid (2000)

Explore the central themes of The Kid (2000), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌱 Growth

The theme of growth is central to the film as Russ learns valuable life lessons from his younger self, Rusty. Throughout their journey, both characters confront their fears, emotional scars, and the importance of embracing vulnerability—a process that ultimately leads to personal transformation and healing.

💔 Reconciliation

Reconciliation plays a poignant role as Russ comes to terms with his troubled past and strained relationships, particularly with his father. This theme underscores the importance of understanding one’s roots and the emotional complexities that can arise in familial bonds, ultimately paving the way for healing.

🐶 Companionship

Companionship is explored through the bond shared between Russ, Rusty, and their beloved dog, Chester. The presence of companionship, shown through their adventures and eventual reunion, symbolizes hope, loyalty, and the healing power of love—important elements that enrich their lives.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Magical Mentor Movies Like The Kid

Stories where a guiding hand from the past unlocks a hopeful future.If you enjoyed the heartwarming guidance in *The Kid*, you'll love these movies about magical mentors and second chances. This collection features hopeful stories where mysterious figures help characters overcome their pasts, build confidence, and discover their true potential through a mix of fantasy and emotional healing.

magicalheartwarminghopefulnostalgicupliftingreflectivesentimental

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a protagonist stuck in a rut, who is visited by a magical or mysterious mentor. This guide helps them reconnect with a forgotten part of themselves, often by literally or metaphorically revisiting the past. The central conflict involves overcoming internal doubts and external pressures to achieve a fulfilling personal transformation.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core structure of a vulnerable protagonist aided by a supernatural guide, leading to a hopeful and sentimental journey. They consistently blend light fantasy elements with medium emotional weight, exploring themes of reconciliation and self-discovery without becoming overly dark or intense.

Movies About Healing Childhood Trauma Like The Kid

Emotional stories where fantasy helps characters confront and heal from past trauma.Discover movies similar to *The Kid* that explore healing childhood wounds. These films use magical or fantastical elements to help characters confront past traumas like bullying or family strife, resulting in uplifting and heartwarming stories of reconciliation, personal growth, and emotional closure.

heartwarmingnostalgicemotionalcatharticmagicalreflectiveupliftingsentimental

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread often involve a literal or symbolic journey back to childhood, facilitated by a magical device, person, or event. The protagonist must confront painful memories or a younger version of themselves, leading to understanding, forgiveness, and integration of their past into a healthier present. The fantasy element softens the heaviness of the themes, making the emotional work accessible.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared purpose: using fantasy as a therapeutic tool. They balance medium emotional weight with a ultimately hopeful and happy resolution, creating a safe space to explore difficult topics like childhood trauma. The steady pacing allows for reflection, and the tone remains uplifting despite touching on serious themes.

Unlock the Full Story of The Kid

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Kid in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Kid is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Kid Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Kid, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Kid Summary

The Kid Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Kid with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Kid Timeline

The Kid Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Kid that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Kid Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Kid

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Kid: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Kid

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Discover movies like The Kid that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.