"Baby Geniuses" is like a live action "Rugrats" cartoon: When the infants are with adults, they are cute, mischievous little angels. But when they are alone, they are militarily strategic, scientifically calculating and conversant in a language all their own. It is said that babies are born knowing the secrets of the universe. And it is this fact that has the head of the world's largest baby product manufacturer (Kathleen Turner) kidnapping infants and conducting experiments in the company's basement to decipher the incoherent gibberish that camouflages their dialect. Things get out of hand when one of the baby geniuses escapes, and must convince his friends to help him rescue the babies held captive in the laboratory.
The antics that follow are cartoonish and silly at times, but it's good clean fun. This film goes a step beyond "Look Who's Talking" by having the babies' mouths morph to form words instead of using facial gestures to get implied meanings across. The use of stunt doubles to dance and perform martial arts adds a varied twist to this unusual nursery tale.
With the recent popularity of baby-themed shows, this film has perfect timing. Younger patrons will be drawn into the fantasy, while the humor is sufficient to keep adults interested. Starring Kathleen Turner, Christopher Lloyd, Kim Cattrall, Peter MacNicol and Dom DeLuise. Directed by Bob Clark. Written by Bob Clark and Greg Michael. Produced by Steven Paul. A Columbia release.Comedy. Rated PG for some rude behavior and dialogue. Running time: 94 min