Watch Inspector Gadget

Inspector Gadget is a 1999 American science-fiction comedy film directed by David Kellogg, based on the 1983 French-Canadian CGI animated television series of the same name created by Jean Chalopin and Andy Heyward. The movie stars Matthew Broderick as the titular character, Inspector Gadget, an ordinary security guard who turns into a multi-functional cyborg with various gadgets attached to his body when he is critically injured by his arch-nemesis, Dr. Claw (Rupert Everett). Joely Fisher plays the role of Brenda Bradford, a robotics expert who helps Inspector Gadget uncover the mysteries and conspiracies surrounding his transformation.

The plot of the movie revolves around a security guard named John Brown (Matthew Broderick), who is smitten with a beautiful scientist named Brenda Bradford (Joely Fisher). Brenda works for the megacorporation Bradford as a robotics expert and is interested in developing a new police robot. When the company's arch-rival Magna Industries releases a new high-tech line of robots that Bradford cannot compete with, she is abducted and held prisoner. John is critically injured while trying to save her, and Dr. Brenda Bradford is tasked with "rebuilding" him into a cyborg crime-fighting hero.

As Inspector Gadget, John Brown is equipped with an arsenal of high-tech gadgets, including rocket skates, extendable arms, and super-strength. As he attempts to uncover the mysteries surrounding his transformation into a cyborg, he teams up with Brenda and her niece Penny (Michelle Trachtenberg) to stop Dr. Claw and Magna Industries from taking over the world. Along the way, they encounter a variety of absurd situations and oddball characters, including gadget-whisperer Baxter (Dabney Coleman) and the bumbling Chief Quimby (D.L. Hughley).

The movie is often criticized for its flawed script and overreliance on slapstick humor, but it nonetheless manages to capture the spirit of the original animated series. Matthew Broderick's portrayal of Inspector Gadget is charming and endearing, and Rupert Everett's performance as Dr. Claw is delightfully wicked. Joely Fisher's character Brenda serves as a strong female lead, bringing intelligence and resourcefulness to the team.

One of the strengths of Inspector Gadget is its use of visual effects. The movie features impressive digital effects and animatronics, which help bring Gadgets' various gadgets to life. The action sequences are over-the-top and ludicrous, but they never fail to entertain. The climax, in which Inspector Gadget faces off against Dr. Claw on a giant robotic claw, is a highlight of the movie.

Overall, Inspector Gadget is a fun and entertaining family film that will delight fans of the original animated series. The movie may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it's a nostalgic throwback to the silly, cartoonish movies of the late 90s, and it's sure to bring a smile to the faces of viewers of all ages.

Inspector Gadget is a 1999 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2 and a MetaScore of 36.