Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Slappy and the Stinkers

Slappy and the Stinkers is a family directed by Barnet Kellman. The movie centers on five mischievous seven-year-old children at a summer program at a academy, nicknamed the "Stinkers," who discover a mistreated named during a to an aquarium and decide to "rescue" it by helping it return to the ocean, inspired by tales of animal liberation. Their plan becomes complicated when they clash with a bumbling villain named Broccoli, who schemes to steal Slappy for sale to a Bulgarian . Produced by and distributed by , the film was released theatrically in the United States on January 23, 1998, with a runtime of 78 minutes and a rating for crude humor and mild violence. Key cast members include B.D. Wong as the academy headmaster Morgan Brinway, as the groundskeeper Roy, as Mr. Brinway's assistant Harriet, and as the antagonist Broccoli, alongside young actors Joseph Ashton, , Carl Michael Lindner, , and portraying the Stinkers. Written by Robert Wolterstorff and Mike Scott, the emphasizes themes of , , and youthful rebellion through lighthearted antics and . Despite its family-oriented appeal, Slappy and the Stinkers received mixed to negative critical reception, with an average rating of 5.1/10 on and a 61% Tomatometer score on based on limited reviews, often praised for its engaging animal performer but criticized for juvenile humor and predictable plotting. The film had a limited theatrical run, grossing approximately $80,837 domestically, and was later released on March 31, 1998, finding a modest among young viewers.

Synopsis

Plot

At the prestigious Academy, a group of five mischievous second-grade students—Sonny, , Domino, , and Witz—engage in constant pranks and disruptions, earning the derisive nickname "the Stinkers" from their strict principal, Morgan Brinway, after one stunt leaves him reeking of foul odors. The children, known for their rebellious spirit, skip opera lessons and target Brinway and his assistant with antics like rigging a to fly using a . During a mandatory class to the local aquarium, the Stinkers discover , a forlorn confined to a cramped, neglectful tank, prompting them to launch a "rescue" mission inspired by the film . They smuggle out in a makeshift disguise, determined to return him to his natural . The group's efforts devolve into a frenzy of hiding spots for the odorous Slappy, starting with Brinway's office hot tub and progressing to Witz's house and other improvised locations around the school and town, resulting in chases and narrow escapes involving the kids, the irate principal, and pursuing aquarium staff. Slappy's and unpredictable behavior exacerbate the chaos, as the Stinkers scramble to keep their secret amid escalating suspicions. Complicating their scheme is Anthony Boccoli, a sleazy promoter and animal broker who learns of Slappy and schemes to purchase him for exploitation in his show, dispatching henchmen to track the . The Stinkers counter with clever diversions, including disguises and gadgets, while plotting a nighttime transport to the nearby beach for Slappy's release. However, Slappy refuses to enter the water upon seeing an , so they take him back to hide at Witz's house. The climax unfolds when Boccoli tracks them down and attempts to steal Slappy; the Stinkers rescue him using a "gopher bomb" provided by groundskeeper Roy and escape via a log flume ride at a local amusement park. Boccoli is arrested after being squirted with water and covered in sawdust. The Stinkers return Slappy to the aquarium, where he is placed in a larger tank. Brinway, impressed by their actions, decides not to expel them and rewards their good intentions.

Cast

Slappy and the Stinkers features an ensemble cast led by B.D. Wong as Morgan Brinway, the uptight and rule-obsessed headmaster of Dartmoor Academy. plays Roy, the school's groundskeeper who aids the children in their antics. portrays Harriet, Brinway's ditzy and comedic . appears as Anthony Boccoli, the sleazy animal broker and primary antagonist intent on capturing for sale to a . The core group of children, dubbed the Stinkers, is brought to life by a young ensemble: as , the bold and resourceful leader; as , the quiet inventor skilled at creating gadgets; as Domino, the enthusiastic movie buff; as , the tough yet compassionate member; and Carl Michael Lindner as Witz, the clever and initially reluctant participant. Their dynamic forms the heart of the film's youthful energy and camaraderie. In supporting roles, plays Spencer Dane Sr., a parent involved in the school's community, while other minor characters include the children's parents, such as as Witz's mom and as Tag. The title character, the , is portrayed by a real trained , with animal handling provided by trainers Timothy Hoffland, Susan Malcom-Smith, and Mary Lisa Markey.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Slappy and the Stinkers was originally written by Robert Wolterstorff and Mike Scott, drawing inspiration from children's adventure tales centered on animal rescue themes, such as the liberation of a sea lion in a manner reminiscent of Free Willy. The script emphasized slapstick humor and a group of mischievous second-graders dubbed the "Stinkers," conceptualized as lovable misfits akin to the kids in The Little Rascals. Director Barnet Kellman was brought on board for his extensive experience in family-oriented comedies, including prior television work on shows like and feature films such as . The film was produced by , Bill Sheinberg, and Jonathan Sheinberg under their company , with acquiring the distribution rights. The production had a budget of $8 million, allocated to support practical effects for the animal sequences and the development of humor tailored to young audiences.

Filming

Principal photography for Slappy and the Stinkers took place from April 13 to June 4, 1997, spanning approximately seven weeks. A primary filming location was the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, California, where authentic scenes were captured in coordination with aquarium staff to ensure access and minimal disruption. Additional shooting occurred at studios for interior sets, including those representing Dartmoor Academy, and outdoor sites in the San Pedro area for chase and action sequences, such as dockside pursuits. The film featured four trained s to portray the character , performing tricks like slapping flippers together, blowing kisses, and interacting with props such as a or . An animatronic sea lion was employed for dynamic sequences, including jumps from a bus and a on wheels, to avoid risk to . The production was monitored by the Association's No Animals Were Harmed program, with on-set pools fenced for safety, verbal cues and food rewards used for training, and 24/7 security at the animals' base facility; no incidents of harm were reported. Cinematography was handled by Paul Maibaum, who shot the film to capture the youthful energy of the story through practical setups.

Release

Theatrical release

Slappy and the Stinkers premiered in the United States on January 23, 1998, distributed by in a limited release across 60 theaters. The film was rated by the Motion Picture Association of America for some crude humor, mild language, and violence. efforts focused on family audiences, with trailers showcasing the young protagonists' mischievous antics and the 's adventure, alongside promotional posters prominently featuring the character . Internationally, the film saw limited distribution in select markets, including on July 2, 1998, without a wide global rollout. With a of 78 minutes, the film was presented in the standard theatrical of 1.85:1.

Home media

The film was first released on by TriStar Home Video in the United States on March 31, 1998. This initial home media edition was part of the TriStar Family Collection and included for accessibility. A DVD edition followed, released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on March 7, 2005, in widescreen format with basic features but no audio commentary or special extras. No major special editions have been produced, though the film has appeared in select family comedy box sets, such as those compiling TriStar children's titles from the early 2000s. As of 2025, the film is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, with prices typically ranging from $3.99 for rental to $14.99 for purchase. It is also streamable for free with advertisements on Tubi. Internationally, PAL-format tapes were distributed in , including a 1999 release with subtitles in languages such as and . In , Columbia TriStar handled distribution as well. No official Blu-ray edition has been released in any region.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Slappy and the Stinkers received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, earning a 0% approval rating on based on four reviews. The film also holds a 5.1 out of 10 rating on , derived from over 1,500 votes. Some reviewers highlighted positive elements in the film's execution, particularly the energetic performances of the young cast and the charm of its sequences. Variety praised director Barnet Kellman's pacing and the smooth execution of physical stunts, noting that the humor and gross-out gags effectively entertain children under 12. The film's lighthearted message about was also commended, with appreciating how it prompts discussions on the ethics of animal captivity through the children's efforts to free the Slappy. The critical consensus, however, emphasized the film's formulaic nature and heavy reliance on juvenile potty humor, which many found excessive and unappealing even for its target young audience. awarded it 2 out of 5 stars, criticizing the "crude and juvenile" fart and poop jokes as the primary comedic drivers, alongside clichéd portrayals of sassy kids and clueless adults that render the story mindless. Reel Film Reviews gave it 1 out of 4 stars, acknowledging the sea lion's cuteness but dismissing the overall product as forgettable. FilmCritic.com similarly scored it 2 out of 5, stating that enjoyment depends entirely on tolerance for a "farting " as the central gag. Thematically, critics noted an overreliance on stereotypes, such as the ditzy female assistant character played by in her film debut, which contributed to the film's superficial treatment of its rebellion-against-authority premise. While the environmental undertones of liberating the were present, some reviews described them as underdeveloped or inconsistent, with one calling the conservation efforts "confused." critiqued the sadistic pranks directed at adults as derivative of Home Alone-style antics, lacking originality. Kellman's direction was viewed as uneven, with strong technical elements like upbeat scoring undermined by predictable sequences and a lengthy musical montage that slowed momentum. described the comedy as "otherwise unremarkable," stretching familiar youthful mischief tropes without innovation. positioned it as a "harmless drop-off movie" for kids, but one better suited to video release than theaters due to its limited appeal.

Box office

Slappy and the Stinkers opened in limited release on January 23, 1998, across 60 theaters, grossing $34,488 during its debut weekend and averaging $574 per screen. The film earned a total of $80,837 domestically, representing its entire worldwide performance, with earnings primarily from the U.S. market. Produced on an $8 million budget, the movie failed to recoup its costs and is considered a . Its brief three-week theatrical run, ending February 12, 1998, reflected a sharp decline in attendance, exacerbated by poor word-of-mouth and competition from dominant releases such as , which topped the charts that month. Limited marketing further contributed to the film's commercial obscurity.

References

  1. [1]
    Slappy and the Stinkers | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 61% (71) Distributor: TriStar Pictures. Production Co: TriStar Pictures. Rating: PG (Some Crude Humor|Slapstick Violence|Mild Language). Genre: Kids & Family , Comedy.
  2. [2]
    Slappy and the Stinkers Movie Review | Common Sense Media
    Rating 2.0 · Review by Renee SchonfeldSep 30, 2025 · In theaters : January 23, 1998 · On DVD or streaming : January 4, 2005 · Cast : B.D. Wong , Bronson Pinchot , Jennifer Coolidge · Director : Barnet ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  3. [3]
    Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) - IMDb
    Rating 5.1/10 (1,491) Slappy and the Stinkers: Directed by Barnet Kellman. With BD Wong, Bronson Pinchot, Jennifer Coolidge, Joseph Ashton. A group of young troublemakers try to ...
  4. [4]
    Slappy and the Stinkers | Cast and Crew - Rotten Tomatoes
    Cast & Crew ; Barnet Kellman · Director ; BD Wong · Actor ; Bronson Pinchot · Actor ; Jennifer Coolidge · Actor ; Joseph Ashton · Actor.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  5. [5]
    Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Director. Edit · Barnet Kellman · Barnet Kellman ; Writers. Edit. (WGA). Robert Wolterstorff · Robert Wolterstorff. written by (as Bob Wolterstorff) &. Mike ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  6. [6]
    Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) ; Infl. Adj. Dom. BO, $83,162 ; Domestic Releases: January 23rd, 1998 (Wide) by Sony Pictures ; MPAA Rating: PG for some crude humor ...
  7. [7]
    Slappy and the Stinkers | Moviepedia - Fandom
    Jan 23, 1998 · At prestigious private school Dartmoor Academy, principal Morgan Brinway is forcing the second-graders to study opera appreciation. Five feisty ...
  8. [8]
    Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) - Plot - IMDb
    A group of young troublemakers try to help a sea lion escape to the ocean. · Five 2nd-grade kids who don't follow strict rules by their school principal Brinway ...
  9. [9]
    'Slappy and the Stinkers': Kids Freeing a Sea Lion
    Jan 23, 1998 · The plot revolves around the efforts of five foolish but imaginative children to steal a flatulent sea lion named Slappy from the local aquarium and return it ...
  10. [10]
    Slappy and the Stinkers - Variety
    Jan 19, 1998 · Wong Roy - Bronson Pinchot Harriet - Jennifer Coolidge Sonny - Joseph Ashton Domino - Gary LeRoi Gray Witz - Carl Michael Lindner Lucy - ...Missing: Ashley | Show results with:Ashley<|control11|><|separator|>
  11. [11]
    Barnet Kellman - IMDb
    Barnet Kellman. Director: Murphy Brown. Barnet Kellman is known for Murphy Brown (1988), Something Wilder (1994) and Alias (2001).Missing: background | Show results with:background
  12. [12]
    Barnet Kellman - Los Angeles Institute for the Humanities
    He directed the feature film comedies STRAIGHT TALK (Disney) KEY EXCHANGE (Fox) and STINKERS (Sony). In television he directed the pilots of the network series ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  13. [13]
    Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) - Filming & production - IMDb
    Filming locations: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium - 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, USA (Aquarium)Missing: principal photography
  14. [14]
    Slappy and the Stinkers - American Humane Society
    A sea lion is seen throughout the film performing a variety of tricks such as slapping its flippers together, blowing kisses, playing in the water, sitting on a ...
  15. [15]
    FILM REVIEW; Children Freeing a Sea Lion? If It Worked for Willy.
    Jan 23, 1998 · In the otherwise unremarkable comedy ''Slappy and the Stinkers,'' which stretches the youthful mischief of the old ''Our Gang''-''Little Rascals ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  16. [16]
    Slappy and the Stinkers - Box Office Mojo
    Opening$34,488 60 theaters. Release DateJan 23, 1998 - Feb 12, 1998. MPAAPG. Running Time1 hr 18 min. GenresComedy Family. Widest Release60 theaters. IMDbPro ...
  17. [17]
    Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) - Release info - IMDb
    Release date · United States. January 23, 1998 · Finland. June 3, 1998(video premiere) · Australia. July 2, 1998 · Iceland. July 22, 1998(video premiere) · Hungary.Missing: TriStar Pictures
  18. [18]
    Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) Trailer - YouTube
    Oct 10, 2008 · Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) Trailer. 53K views · 17 years ago ...more. micarone. 3.67K. Subscribe. 91. Share. Save. Report. Comments.Missing: marketing campaign posters
  19. [19]
    Slappy & the Stinkers Movie Poster - IMP Awards
    Apr 15, 2002 · Official theatrical movie poster for Slappy & the Stinkers (1998). Directed by Barnet Kellman. Starring BD Wong, Jennifer Coolidge, ...Missing: marketing campaign trailers
  20. [20]
    VHS - Slappy And The Stinkers - Columbia TriStar - USA - 45cat
    Title: Slappy And The Stinkers ; Publisher: Columbia TriStar ; Country: USA ; Format: VHS ; Date: 31 Mar 1998.
  21. [21]
    https://www.bonanza.com/listings/Slappy-the-Stinkers-VHS-Tape-/1020844826
  22. [22]
    Slappy And The Stinkers [DVD] - Amazon.com
    30-day returnsComedy featuring five feisty kids from Dartmoor Academy.
  23. [23]
    Columbia TriStar Family Collection | Moviepedia - Fandom
    Releases ; Slappy and the Stinkers, 1998, March 31, 1998 ; Oliver! 30th Anniversary Tribute Edition, 1968, August 11, 1998 ; Madeline, 1998, December 15, 1998 ; The ...
  24. [24]
    Slappy and the Stinkers streaming: watch online - JustWatch
    Rating 18% (36) About the movie ; Genres. Kids & Family, Action & Adventure, Comedy, Live Action ; Runtime. 1h 18min ; Age rating. PG ; Production country. United States ...Missing: MPAA | Show results with:MPAA<|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Watch Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) - Free Movies | Tubi
    On a field trip to an aquarium, a group of mischievous 2nd graders decide to kidnap a sea lion named Slappy and return him to his ocean home.
  26. [26]
    Slappy & De Stinkers VHS (1999) - VHS video tape - LastDodo
    14-day returnsSlappy & De Stinkers is a 1999 VHS comedy/family film, released by Columbia TriStar, with a 79 minute playing time, and is a PAL region code.
  27. [27]
    Company credits - Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) - IMDb
    Distributors · Sony Pictures Releasing. (United States, 1998)(theatrical) · Columbia TriStar Films. (Non-US, 1998) · Columbia TriStar Home Video. (Brazil)(VHS).
  28. [28]
    Slappy & the Stinkers (1998) - Blu-ray.com
    Rating 6.6/10 (2) At Dartmoor Academy snooty principal Morgan Brinway has second-graders studying opera appreciation, but five feisty kids, nicknamed the "Stinkers" by ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/slappy_and_the_stinkers/reviews
  30. [30]
    Slappy and the Stinkers - EricDSnider.com
    Mar 5, 2012 · When the kids decide to help a sea lion escape from an aquarium, one of them says, “Like 'Free Willy'! It's Free Slappy!” I'm surprised that ...Missing: tie- | Show results with:tie-<|separator|>
  31. [31]
    Slappy & The Stinkers - AV Club
    Mar 29, 2002 · But it doesn't give its audience a whole lot of credit, falling back on scores of poop/flatulence jokes and a bunch of sadistic, Home Alone- ...
  32. [32]
    'Slappy' Is Sealed With the Simple Wishes of Children (No Adults)
    Jan 23, 1998 · Times guidelines: Children are placed in cartoon-like peril, and the violence is “Home Alone”-style. No one gets hurt. 'Slappy and the Stinkers'.
  33. [33]
    Slappy and the Stinkers (1998) - Box Office Mojo
    All Releases ; Domestic (100%) $80,837 ; International (–) – ; Worldwide $80,837.Missing: theaters | Show results with:theaters
  34. [34]
    https://www.boxofficemojo.com/month/january/1998/
  35. [35]
    Weekend Box Office Chart for January 23, 1998 - The Numbers
    Jan 23, 1998 · Slappy and the Stinkers · Sony Pictures, $34,488, 60, $575, $34,488, 1. 56, (47), Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil · Warner Bros. $28,064 ...