dennis dugan proves that even at the last turn of the decade in the 20th century he was still a C-list director, and color me unsurprised that he's the same person behind ALL YOUR FAVORITE ADAM SANDLER MOVIES! (non-existent in my case)

between poorly shoed-in scenes regarding the numerous complications of infertility and the woes regarding them, delivered wonderfully by the comic genius amy yasbeck (known for roles in timeless productions such as THE MASK and WINGS), the audience is shown many of the wacky hijinks that ensue with michael oliver's stunning performance as the eponymous child of misfortune.
the problem child finds himself enamored with the excitement of causing numerous ruckuses as he works his way into trouble with unsightly nuns, surely a calculated and subtle commentary on the ugliness of organized religion and corruption in the catholic church, and his foster parents and relatives whom he chooses to ceaselessly torment (because, as stated by Hub, "PARENTS JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND!").

for one reason or another, John Ritter and Gilbert Gottfried were present, most likely to pay their bills for the next several months, and Michael Richards stars in a role that leaves me both nostalgic for his performance in UHF, as well as for a time before his career got paparazzi drive-by'd post-Laugh Factory.

the movie goes downhill as soon as you start realizing that it goes on for the entirety of 81 minutes like this with no relent. no one is spared from the problems of these children. no one.

p.s. michael oliver's mom extorted his acting contract with the studio, which is why he was replaced for the third movie.