Inspector Gadget is a 1999 live-action film based on the animated cartoon series of the same name. It starred Matthew Broderick as the title character, along with Rupert Everett as Dr. Claw, and Michelle Trachtenberg as Penny. Two new characters were introduced, Brenda Bradford (played by Joely Fisher) and the Gadgetmobile (voiced by D.L. Hughley). This film was produced by Caravan Pictures and Walt Disney Pictures, and distributed by Buena Vista Distribution. It was filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Los Angeles, California with the ice castle-like main tower of PPG Place playing a central role.
This was the last film produced by Caravan Pictures before it was closed.
Plot synopsis
John Brown (Matthew Broderick) is a security guard for a science lab operated by robotics expert Brenda Bradford (Joely Fisher) in "Riverton, OH." John lives with his niece, Penny (Michelle Trachtenberg), and their dog, Brain. After being denied from the police force, Penny informs John that 'it's not the badge you wear that matters; it's the heart behind it.' Sanford Scolex (Rupert Everett) attacks the lab, stealing valuable equipment for the "Gadget Program" and killing Brenda's father in the process. John, who is smitten with Brenda, gives chase. The ensuing car crash brings a confrontation with Scolex, who uses an explosive to blow up John and his beloved Chevette. A bowling ball in the backseat of John's car flies into the air and through the sunroof of Scolex's limo, crushing his hand. John is rushed to intensive care by Brenda.
John is rebuilt using electronic parts and is dubbed 'Inspector Gadget'. John is given lessons by a meditating guru at the lab in relaxing his body and getting a firm grip on the workings of his gadgets, which ends in failure when he accidentally grasps the guru's testicles with a little too much force. Despite some previous success in capturing two criminals, John is assigned with many community service jobs, such as crossing guard, litter patrol, and kitten rescue. Meanwhile, Scolex has built a new, mechanical claw as his hand, and named himself 'Claw'. Scolex hires Brenda as his robotics specialist (expressing lust for her in the process), and is amused to discover that John is the 'lucky duck they plucked for the Gadget Program'.
John investigates and discovers all about Scolex, but is kidnapped in the process. After dissecting him, Scolex takes his control chip and destroys it, leaving John 'dead'. Scolex sends RoboGadget, an android clone of John, to destroy the city and place the blame on John. While dumping Gadget's body in the dump, Brenda discovers through information given to her by RoboBrenda (a robot clone of herself) that Scolex murdered her father. Brenda and Penny race to save John. They discover him in a junkyard, and after Brenda kisses his cheek, John miraculously returns to life; showing that even though he is part machine, he still has a human heart.
After a chase through the city between the GadgetMobile (voiced by D.L. Hughley) and Scolex's car, John battles RoboGadget on the Roberto Clemente Bridge. RoboGadget, despite his gadgets being geared towards combat than detective work, quite literally loses his head (it falls off after John pulls a pin out of the back of RoboGadget's neck), and John tosses it in the river. Activating his Helicopter Hat, John flies to the roof of Scolex Industries, where Scolex is preparing to make his escape with Brenda. Both crash to the plaza below, where police await to arrest John for all of RoboGadget's crimes. Scolex tries to escape, but is caged in by the GadgetMobile. Penny arrives with Sikes, who confesses the entire plan. Chief Quimby clears Gadget of all 'crimes', and Scolex is arrested. Scolex vows revenge by saying the famous catchphrase, "I'll get you next time, Gadget!" The film closes with Brenda kissing Gadget, with fireworks coming from Gadget's left foot as a sign of arousal.
During the credits, a variety of bonus scenes appear. These include RoboBrenda teaching an aerobics class, RoboGadget's headless body running around Riverton, and Penny with her new communication watch and Brain with his new collar that allows him to speak. In this scene, Brain is voiced by Don Adams, who voiced Inspector Gadget in the original animated series.
Cast
Reception
The film grossed $134 million worldwide[3] with a budget of $75 million making it a moderate box office success. In the UK, it grossed just over £7 million, with a top 10 box office chart run of 2-2-2-3-6-8-8-8. The film received generally negative to mixed reviews.
Many felt[citation needed] the film itself was far darker than the original series, which was always light-hearted in tone. Some examples are Scolex committing murder and later electrocuting one of his minions with an electronic helmet (although the latter had more of a comic effect). It currently has 22% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The movie spawned a direct-to-video sequel, IG2. The character, G2, a female robot Gadget, is introduced. Gadget once again becomes bumbling and clueless, and Dr. Claw's face is never seen. In addition, Brenda Bradford is absent, and all characters are portrayed by different actors, with French Stewart in the role of Gadget.
DiC Entertainment released an animated movie, Gadget's Last Case in 2002. Certain elements were maintained from the films, such as the bitter Chief Quimby and the Gadgetmobile, but Claw remains "unseen" in his original form, instead he uses a disguise to become more active in the movie and to show up and discredit Gadget as a superior law enforcer. Maurice LaMarche voiced Gadget here. The animation style would be adapted for Gadget and the Gadgetinis, where major changes again shook up the Gadget franchise.
The Gadgetmobile
The Gadgetmobile is designed by Brenda Bradford based on a 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible. Among other things, it can camouflage itself, has a radar system to track Gadget's location (and other people as well), can extend its tires upwards, and has a powerful engine. It also has a talking personality. The Gadgetmobile openly breaks the law constantly (it is a particular fan of backturns), but claims it's okay: "Speed limits are for cars, not the Gadgetmobile". He is voiced by comedian D.L. Hughley.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of the film contains the single "I'll Be Your Everything" by the boy band Youngstown.
References
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0141369/
- ^ http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=inspectorgadget.htm
- ^ Inspector Gadget (1999) - Box office / business
External links
