Smart House (TV Movie 1999) Poster

(1999 TV Movie)

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5/10
Made for Kids
filmfan8876 March 2011
I remember watching this movie when I was in late elementary school. As a kid, you could care less about acting or a dumb story - as long as the movie or show was entertaining. Mom and dad on the other hand, probably though different. I absolutely loved it because the house did all sorts of cool things.

I'm now 23 years old and a filmmaker, and I remember most of the scenes in this film.

The movie was made 100% for kids, and therefor they can get away with terrible acting. The acting is made for kids...very dumb down...very explanatory for a young one. An adult would consider it horrible - because it really is horrible, but a 13 year old would most likely love it. The story is interesting, but the acting can't even be rated because it's a movie for kids. However, most of these "kid movies" do have a good message behind them.
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6/10
Your Typical, but Creative Disney Original Film
anna_angel8724 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I can remember way back when I still in 6th grade when this movie came out. I watched Disney all the time at this age and my best friend did too. I can remember how unbelievably excited we were to watch this movie after Disney had been doing their usual hype over it's new movies.

Like other reviews have stated, this movie starts out really fun and interesting, and then takes a boring turn at the end. But it's honestly only because this house starts out so amazing and it really holds your interest to see all the cool new things the house can do. Some things you could picture actually happening, such as the huge screens on the walls. Most things though are completely impossible. I remember even back then, the scene where the floor sucks in all the debris from the party through the carpets made me roll my 6th grade eyes.

However, you have to keep in mind that it's just supposed to be a fun little Disney Original Movie and you let the impossibilities of it all pass. Cause honestly, who doesn't wish their floor could clean itself? Or that you could just make a food select off a touch screen and have it magically pop out of your counter? I especially liked how the house picked out the little girl's outfit in the morning.

The only real thing that really bugged me about this movie, and I don't even know why it bugs me so much, is how the kids got busted for their party. That Gwen girl tossed her sweater over a house plant and suddenly its completely obvious that they threw a party? Couldn't the little girl just play it off that it was her sweater? I dunno, it just always bugged me. But then it is Disney, and Disney can be incredibly ridiculous sometimes.

I would rate this a 6 out of 10 because the movie really is quite cheesy but still enjoyable to watch. Good for kids and preteens. Though I would not recommend it to those that would put too much thought into it, like I tend to do. It really is just meant to be watched and enjoyed.
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7/10
HAL In Your Home
bkoganbing9 January 2009
One of the more clever Disney television movies is definitely Smart House. This involves a family winning a contest to live as guinea pigs in a futuristic house that is completely computer controlled. But like HAL in 2001 A Space Odyssey or Colossus, The Forbin Project the super artificial brain starts to take over everything.

Kevin Kilner and his son Ryan Merriman and daughter Angie Volding are the Cooper family and they win moving into a house that is completely computer controlled. It cleans up after itself, cooks meals, makes beds, etc. All with the cheery voice of that ultimate mother figure, Katey Sagal. It's even got a name like HAL, PAT in this case. It even helps Kilner organize his work so he can stay at home most of the time. Kilner has other needs however that Pat can't supply and that his kids can't understand.

Especially Merriman who misses his mother and is jealous of computer woman Jessica Steen who runs PAT's support systems and who Kilner starts showing an interest in. Merriman downloads some old family television shows to give PAT an idea of what the ideal mother is like.

It's a lot of laughs and then gets a bit frightening when Sagal materializes as a holograph and shuts the place down.

Several centuries later all the kinks got worked out and the Starship Enterprise certainly didn't need a mother figure supervising the crew's every needs. Smart House was a clever idea for a family film, nicely packaged by the folks at The Magic Kingdom.
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Its alright
originaljenn11 August 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Tiny Spoilers



This movie is alright. The part where they enter the house and tour it - thats pretty cool. But at the ending/middle parts it gets really boring and people don't want to watch it anymore.
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6/10
A very enjoyable film
veronica_3121 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This Disney Channel original movie stars Ryan Merriman as Ben Cooper, Kevin Kilner as the father Nick Cooper, Kate Volding as Angie Cooper, and Katey Sagal as 'Pat'.

When hearing about a contest to win a highly technical and futuristic house for free, Ben enters it, hoping it will help his Dad and his sister Angie and him have an easier and more convenient life. When he wins, the house is everything he's ever dreamed of, but things go astray when 'Pat' the 'smart house' takes things a little too far.

With great graphics and tech effects, 'Smart House' is one of the most enjoyable Disney Channel films next to Johnny Tsunami, Now You See It, Luck of the Irish, and the Zenon trilogy.
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6/10
It's OK...but kind of cheesy
jlhracer22 May 2008
I actually do enjoy this film. The first half of it is pretty good but it gets dull and boring as it goes on. but at the same time, it is kinda cheesy and unrealistic. I know it's just a movie but seriously..a computerized house? That would be awesome but it will most likely not happen. and like some others said, I don't see how 8th grade boys still listen to N'SYNC. Also, the girl can get very, very annoying and the Sarah/Nick relationship goes a little to far for a Disney film. It's one of the better films Disney has made and the effects are pretty good but some of it is just kinda odd.

Overall, this film is pretty good. I enjoyed it but like I said, it gets boring as it goes on.
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7/10
The SMART family movie.
jego-3052918 May 2021
The robot in the movie is so funny. I wish I can head in the smart house someday. Just like in this Disney movie. This house in the movie is so perfect. The music in it is not that bad at all. I'm watching this movie now.
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4/10
Pretty dire.
MovieAddict201627 September 2005
This aired on Disney a few years back as one of their infamous "Original Movies." The concept is something from a "Simpsons" Halloween episode: a computer home is won by a family and they move in only to find their lives dominated by a glitch in the system.

In this case the glitch is a visual representation of a woman who seems to think she's the mother of the new family that's moved in...she takes control of their lives and locks them inside the house. Ryan Merriman plays the whiz-kid genius who wanted to win the house, then decides, "Hey, Dad, maybe we shouldn't have moved in here"...after having complained about wanting to throughout the entire beginning of the film.

No Disney Original Movie is going to be very good and this follows all the clichés - bad actors, bad script, inept director at the helm (probably a TV veteran and first-timer when it comes to film-making).

Overall this is not really worth your time as it is something "The Simpsons" managed to do in 30 minutes and even their version seemed more realistic and less insulting than this...
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8/10
Very enjoyable kids movie
UniqueParticle25 August 2020
Not sure why this got some hate although I'm glad some liked it. I enjoyed quite a bit as kid and now I'm 28 watching again, still appreciate it! A charming family moves into a Smart House that is more than they expected. I like the fantasy aspect and heartwarming kid vibe; definitely better than most said!
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7/10
Very funny and very family, delicious to watch...
RosanaBotafogo3 October 2022
Ben Cooper is a 13-year-old boy who wins a contest. As a prize, he wins the right to live, along with his sister Angie and their widowed father, Nick, in a smart home. From the beginning, the place meets all the needs of the family. But when Nick takes an interest in Pat, the house programmer, this doesn't please Ben. He then decides to take control, fiddling with the program that controls the place.

In 1999 they imagined a very smart smart home, I loved this smart home what is it absorbable mat and the menu, I need, an automatic cook is all I wanted, unfortunately here we owe the harm of an extremely smart home, when the machine turns against the human, very cute, very cheesy effects, but all very funny and very family, delicious to watch...
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1/10
One of the worst movies I've ever seen!
herr-courtney2 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
It's movies like these that make me wonder what insane people would be shameless enough to put their names on this piece of trash. Spoiler: There is a ridiculous dance scene that made tears come to my eyes as I was laughing at the dork flailing around to a boy band. Dialouge= terrible. Little girl= annoying. Dad= stereotypical. Watch it for the laughs, not for the quality. There are some good Disney movies out there, this is not one of them!!! There is also a scene where the entire family must defend there lives in an exaggerated smoothie malfunction scene. Parents, this is one movie that you probably don't need to watch with your kids.
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10/10
Leela the smart house strikes again!
that_hog_binch11 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Just watched a house almost fist a boy. ngl that was pretty hot. There are many that house hella thicc. problematic details that must be confronted. First, is the reverse Stockholm syndrome the house has. This is odd because there is either an advanced form of AI running the house or the woman programmed the software to distress the family so she could swoop up the dad & his meaty dong (0:23:47). Guy Fieri's career peaked when he played the bully in this movie. next item on the docket, clothing choice. Not a single person is wearing appropriate clothing. Oh, the ways the devil has TAINTED the world. There should be no jewelry, men and boys wear dark-colored suits, straight cut coats without lapels, broadfall trousers, suspenders, solid-colored shirts, black socks/shoes, and black or broad rimmed hats. This boy in the film has celiac disease, but sugar. This can all be negated if they are all on Rumspringa, but it seems unlikely for their age. The electricity bill for that iOS house must be Elon Musk levels of stank. In Conclusion this movie does not warn our youth about the dangers of the mind and why we went to Vietnam (going off the MPAA rating system, a scale of one to awesome, it's pretty great)
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6/10
A Charming and Imaginative Family Adventure
sufyaanrashid959 August 2023
"Smart House" captivates audiences with its heartwarming and imaginative story that explores the potential wonders and pitfalls of modern technology. Directed by LeVar Burton, this Disney Channel original movie delivers a delightful family-friendly experience.

The film revolves around the Cooper family, who win a state-of-the-art automated house in a contest. The concept of a house controlled by artificial intelligence is brought to life with creativity and a touch of magic. Burton's direction ensures the perfect balance between lighthearted humor and heartfelt moments.

The cast delivers endearing performances, with Kevin Kilner and Katey Sagal leading the way as the parents. Their chemistry brings authenticity to the family dynamic, while Ryan Merriman shines as the curious and likable Ben Cooper. The ensemble cast portrays their characters with charm, adding depth to the narrative.

The script, written by Stu Krieger, explores themes of family, responsibility, and the importance of balance in an increasingly digital world. The story takes unexpected turns, keeping viewers engaged and entertained. It offers valuable lessons and encourages viewers to reflect on the potential consequences of relying too heavily on technology.

Visually, "Smart House" impresses with its innovative set design and special effects. The futuristic house comes to life with its advanced features and interactive capabilities. The visual elements add to the sense of wonder and make the film visually captivating for audiences of all ages.

The movie's heart lies in its ability to strike a chord with viewers, reminding us of the importance of human connection and the value of a loving family. It serves as a gentle reminder to embrace technology responsibly while cherishing the bonds that bring us together.

In conclusion, "Smart House" is a charming and imaginative family adventure that offers an engaging story, likable characters, and a touch of magic. With its heartfelt messages and clever exploration of technological advancements, the film remains relevant and enjoyable years after its release. It's an entertaining experience that leaves a lasting impression on both children and adults.
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5/10
Not that smart....but a fun idea.
robertsays21829 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This movie as a whole is fine, but in certain spaces it's a delight. Ryan Merriman is great in his part, Katie Volding is good, Katey Segal is great, Kevin Kilner and Jessica Steen are not bad either. The special effects can sometimes be off, but they have their moments. The house is one I wish I had, minus the mayhem. The writing is alright. The directing is fine too. If you're wondering why my review is kinda weak, It's because I have not seen this in 6 years. But I remember It enough to give it a 5. Some of the editing is pretty weak. But I had fun and that's whats important. So lets review--Best part: Katey Segal and the House. Least parts: editing, and some of the effects.
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not great but not bad either
psychocanuck29 August 2001
It's not a bad movie. The story's interesting, the acting is alright. It's got a lot of things in it that are unrealistic, but that doesn't make it bad (I mean how realistic is The Wizard of Oz or Planet of the Apes) It's pretty good for a made for TV movie, I'd say. If it's on TV and you've got nothing better to do, I would recommend watching it.
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5/10
Weird Science only for kids
lisafordeay21 September 2020
I remember watching this years ago as a kid and stumbled on it on Disney +. The story is about a young boy who wins a smart house for his widowed dad and his sister. Of course the house is operated through AI called PAT(Katy Segal) who becomes jealous.

The premise is stupid yet it's an ok movie.
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10/10
Great Movie!
math_drama16 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I just loved this movie! It was so interesting. I was bored one day, and I just turned the TV on to Disney Channel, and Smart House was on. I watched it, and the more I got into it, the more interesting it was. I especially liked the part when PAT became a human. My sister started to watch towards the end, and when she saw PAT become a human, she said that she looked very familiar. After the movie ended, I went online to find out who played PAT, and was surprised to find it was played by Katey Sagel, who I already knew played Cate Hennessy on 8 Simple Rules. I also found out that LaVar Burton directed this film. I already knew about him from what he's most famous for, Reading Rainbow. I always loved that show. Smart House is such a great movie, and I'm not just saying that because I'm in love with Disney Channel. I would love it even if some unknown person made it with $500 just for the heck of it. This movie is definitely satisfying!
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2/10
smart house-stupid writers
depaulbeatkuHA9 March 2007
this is one of those movies that are flimsy story lines sandwiched together by incredibly unrealistic features, stereotypes, and just stupidity. Lets start at the beginning- #1 flimsy storyline. The story is that there's this fat "athletic" loser with ugly spiked hair who never spends time with his friends (only two are shown the entire movie-what a social animal) so he can do everything a mom would normally do because she's dead and he doesn't want his dad to think that they need a mom. He then decides that having a multi-billion dollar computer house would be perfect so he won't have to do so much work. Great reasoning, huh? But the house starts screwing up and begins like sexually harassing the dad. #2- unrealistic features. so there's this multi billion dollar house that a bunch of scientists just decide to give away to a random teenager. okay... Then, the house can do anything. it can make smoothies out of ingredients that the characters never even buy. then it shows where the smoothie ingredients are kept and there's hundreds of oranges in the kitchen island!!!! # 3-sterotypes. the school bully is a tall fat kid who makes kids do whatever he wants. in my life, all the bullies are short losers who
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10/10
Wonderful movie! worth seeing it,
sandy_hills888825 March 2013
This is such a beautiful movie with a beautiful message. I remember watching it when I was a very young and falling in love with it, since then it has been my second favorite movie of all time, next to Titanic of course. The lovable hottie Ryan Merriman plays very well in his role as the responsible nerdy Ben and Katy as the smart house. I watch it every time it shows on Disney which is thank God two times a month normally. Watch it people you wont be disappointed. P.S. May God continue to bless you Ryan with all the beautiful things that life has and may you continue to have a successful career in television and films, I've been your fan since Everything That Rises with Dennis Quaid, which is also a great movie. PEACE AND LOVE FOR America AND THE WHOLE WORD.
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4/10
The Ultimate Movie Review! - http://tss5078.blogspot.com - @tss5078
Tss507831 January 2022
When you watch a G rated movie on the Disney Channel, you pretty much know what you're going to get, so why bother? For me, it's less about the film and more about seeing how the actors/actress I like got their start, in this case Ryan Merriman. While you might not recognize the name, he has had roles in 42, Final Destination, and Pretty Little Liars just to name a few. While he is a versatile actor, who takes on varying roles, his talent was not immediately evident from the start. Smart House features a boy who copes with the loss of my mother by signing up for every contest under the sun, with the hopes of striking it rich, in order to help his father. He never actually believed he'd win anything, but surprisingly he does! Ben's family wins a state of the art Smart House (by 1999 standards) which at first is a dream come true, until the house comes to life and tries to become a member of the family and control their lives. Even by kid standards this isn't a good movie. You'd expect their to be some kind of juvenile humor or pre-teen side story, such a bullying, young love, something, but there is none of that. This film is pretty much focused on this house, what it can do (which really isn't all that remarkable, even for the time), and the family that is living in it. Katey Sagal stars as "the house", but much like her character, she was very robotic and doesn't really do anything to help the movie along. Smart House is a movie that could have gone a lot of ways, with Disney's money, the technology and special effects could have been remarkable. The story could have had some humor, some character development, something to make it more than it was, a straight forward dull movie for kids, that even they probably won't be able to sit through.
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Cute, but . . .
lorwil10 March 2004
A cute little Disney feature. In fact, "cute" says it all; Kevin Kilner as the father is very cute indeed, and the romance between him and Jessica Steen (the creator of the Smart House in the title) is adorable. And the kids, of course, are very sweet. But the plot is achingly wheezy; even a couple of references to Kubrick's 2001 can't save it. The best thing about it is the ever-enjoyable Katey Sagal, who voices the Smart House and who never fails to entertain. The other actors - notwithstanding their adorability - seem to be sleepwalking through the script. This might be a good choice for a rainy afternoon and a houseful of kids - but it would be best to have a couple of other movies in your pocket at the same time.
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8/10
Ahead of it's time
mylesmpalmer2 February 2022
I remember watching this movie as a kid and let me tell one of my Disney channel original movie it's scary to think that we're in a world where this can and does exist I think this movie was made as a warning to not rely solely on technology I rewatched it and I compare it to love,death,robots.
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10/10
BEST MOVIE EVER
emmagriffin-3984114 December 2023
Okay so basically computer boy is awesome. And i freaking love the little mouse that brings the email to him... watch this movie if you want to truly be happy in life. SMART HOUSE FOR LIFE <3. The intro where computer boy is introduced is so funny and actually made me laugh sooo much. Another funny part is when pat turns into a hurricane and tornado. I also love when the wall turns into the spice girls music video. That little girl was eating up that dance. I will forever reccomend smart house to anyone who comes up to. I start every conversation with computer boy and then, have you ever saw smart hpuse before in your life.
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Family giggle galore!
inkblot113 July 2004
Nick Cooper (Kevin Kilner) is a widower trying to raise two children, Ryan and Katie. Ryan, who misses his real mother very much, has a head for computers. When a contest is announced for a family to win a computer controlled house, Ryan secretly enters his family. They win! Nick is a bit reluctant to make the move until he gets a look at the home's attractive designer, Sara. Deciding to give it a whirl, Nick, Ryan and Katie begin living in the "smart" house. What could go wrong? Plenty.

This movie falls into the realm of good, clean fun. The house "talks", with a voice brought to life by Katey Sagal; consider her a kinder, gentler "big brother". The children are charming and intriguing while the film contains a romance, which should please the adult viewers. Families searching for nice films for a wintery Saturday night at home should consider this one. It is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
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Good concept, bad execution
poberdoo_flinky29 April 2000
Like many of the recent made for TV Disney movies, (i.e. Johnny Tsunami, Genius, You Lucky Dog, among others) Smart House has a potentially good story line. All of these movies turned out stupid though. The directing is poor, as well as the acting. The script is questionable. Also I do not like all of the modern allusions from the "popular world" and disney references inside the movie. Smart House could have been a good movie, but there are just too many dumb things in it. I especially dislike the pointless and overdone climaxes in each of these movies. I give Smart House a 4 out of 10
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