Okay, settle in, pop that worn-out tape in the VCR (you might need to adjust the tracking), because we're diving into a late-90s artefact that tried so hard to bring Saturday morning cartoons to life: Disney's 1999 live-action Inspector Gadget. This wasn't just some low-budget knock-off; this was a big swing, a film brimming with the kind of nascent CGI ambition that looks almost quaint now, but felt like pure cybernetic wizardry flickering on our CRT screens back in the day.
Remember the buzz? Taking a beloved, albeit slightly goofy, cartoon detective and plugging him into a real-world setting felt like a strange, exciting experiment. Could they really pull off those go-go-gadget arms? The helicopter hat? The results… well, let's just say they were memorable.
### From Security Guard to Super Cop (Sort Of)
The setup is simple enough: we meet John Brown (Matthew Broderick), a kind-hearted but hopelessly naive security guard dreaming of joining the Riverton Police Department. His life takes a dramatic, explosive turn thanks to the nefarious Dr. Claw – or Sanford Scolex, as he is initially known here, played with glorious, scenery-chewing relish by Rupert Everett. An accident leaves Brown shattered, only to be rebuilt by the brilliant Dr. Brenda Bradford (Joely Fisher) into the titular Inspector Gadget, a walking Swiss Army knife of crime-fighting gizmos.
Broderick, fresh off his iconic Ferris Bueller persona but years later, plays Brown/Gadget with a certain wide-eyed earnestness. It’s… fine. He captures the character’s inherent goodness, but maybe lacks the slightly oblivious, almost robotic cadence Don Adams perfected in the cartoon. It’s a tough role; how do you play a man who is also a machine without seeming completely detached? Interestingly, comedic heavyweights like Jim Carrey and Tim Allen were considered for the part during the film's lengthy development, which might give you an idea of the different directions this could have gone. Imagine a Carrey-Gadget!
### Go Go Gadget CGI!
Let's talk about the main event: the gadgets. This film arrived right at that cusp where practical effects were giving way to digital dominance. While there's a charming physicality to some elements – the Gadgetmobile, a souped-up, talking 1964 Lincoln Continental Convertible, was a real, drivable creation that reportedly cost a pretty penny to build – the bulk of Gadget’s transformations rely heavily on late-90s CGI.
Watching it now, the digital extensions, the spring-loaded legs, the inflatable coat… they have that slightly rubbery, disconnected look characteristic of the era. It doesn't blend seamlessly like modern effects, but you have to admire the sheer attempt. For 1999, seeing Gadget's fingers turn into tools or his neck stretch across a room felt like a genuine visual spectacle, even if it hasn't aged like fine wine. It was ambitious, representing a massive $90 million budget gamble by Disney, hoping to launch a new franchise. Director David Kellogg, known more for commercials and music videos (Spice World anyone?), definitely brought a flashy, fast-cutting style that emphasized these visual moments, sometimes at the expense of coherent storytelling.
### The Claw Makes the Movie
While Gadget himself might feel a bit underdeveloped, Rupert Everett absolutely steals the show as Dr. Claw/Sanford Scolex. Preening, sarcastic, and delightfully over-the-top, Everett understood the assignment. He injects a much-needed dose of campy villainy that elevates the film whenever he’s onscreen. His metallic claw and egomaniacal pronouncements are pure cartoon evil brought to life, and honestly, he seems to be having the most fun. Remember his introduction, playing that organ with his claw? Pure gold. His performance feels like a knowing nod to the larger-than-life villains of the era, making him the film’s most entertaining component.
Supporting characters like Brenda Bradford offer a capable, intelligent presence, though the romantic subplot feels a bit tacked on. Penny and Brain? Sadly, they're sidelined compared to their cartoon counterparts. Penny (Michelle Trachtenberg) is resourceful but underutilized, and Brain… well, talking animal CGI was still finding its footing, let's just say.
### Wowsers, What Was That?
The plot involves Claw creating an evil robotic duplicate of Gadget (played briefly by Broderick having more fun as the Robo-Gadget), leading to city-wide mayhem and a predictable showdown. It’s standard family film fare, hitting familiar beats with energetic, if sometimes chaotic, pacing. The script, credited to multiple writers including Zak Penn (who would later work on X-Men and The Avengers), feels like it might have undergone significant changes. Rumours persisted of earlier, perhaps slightly darker or more satirical drafts before it settled into its final, more kid-friendly Disney form.
Did it work? Critically, not so much. Reviews were harsh, pointing out the thin plot and uneven tone. But audiences, particularly younger ones, turned up. It wasn't a runaway smash, but it performed decently at the box office, certainly enough to warrant that infamous direct-to-video sequel Inspector Gadget 2 (with French Stewart taking over the title role).
Rating: 5/10
Justification: Inspector Gadget gets points for its sheer 90s ambition, Rupert Everett's fantastic villainous turn, and the nostalgic novelty of seeing those gadgets realized, however dated the effects look now. The Gadgetmobile remains cool. However, it’s hampered by a weak script, underdeveloped characters (including the lead), and a reliance on CGI that hasn't aged gracefully. Matthew Broderick feels somewhat miscast, lacking the specific comedic energy the role needed. It’s a fascinating time capsule of late-90s CGI experimentation and live-action cartoon adaptations, but not exactly a hidden gem.
Final Thought: It’s a go-go-gadget blast from the past that tried to cram a whole toybox onto the screen, ending up more clunky than classic, but Everett’s Claw almost makes the rental fee worth it. Almost.