31 Years Ago Today, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Weirdest Sci-fi Movie Was Released (And The Plot Is Unbelievable)

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In 1988, Arnold Schwarzenegger surprised audiences by stepping away from his typical action roles in films like The Terminator, Predator, and Commando to star in the comedy Twins. This marked the beginning of a successful partnership with Danny DeVito and director Ivan Reitman, and it was the first of Schwarzenegger’s films to earn over $100 million in the US. The movie was a huge financial success overall, making more than 14 times its $15 million budget and remaining one of the most profitable films for both Schwarzenegger and DeVito. It resonated with audiences because it was a lighthearted and charming film that didn’t take its serious themes too seriously.

What makes this movie stand out? It’s a story about two lonely people connecting, and the villain is a ruthless delivery driver who kills anyone who recognizes him. Despite these dramatic elements, the film’s overall tone and music keep it from feeling like Schwarzenegger’s typically intense action movies. This is similar to Kindergarten Cop, their next collaboration, which mixes action with a generally lighthearted feel. However, that balance didn’t quite work in their third and final film together, Junior, which also featured Danny DeVito.

What Is Junior About?

In the movie Junior, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Dr. Alex Hesse, a scientist from Austria who studies genetics. He works with his friend and fellow doctor, Dr. Larry Arbogast (Danny DeVito), to create a new drug called “Expectane” designed to help prevent miscarriages. However, they face a problem when they’re unable to test the drug because it hasn’t been approved by the FDA, potentially stopping their important work before it can help couples.

Larry proposes they proceed with the research anyway, explaining that a Canadian pharmaceutical company is willing to fund it if they can find someone to test the drug. Alex believes no pregnant woman would agree to take an unapproved medication, leading to the unusual decision that Alex will become pregnant using an ovum.

The procedure worked, and now Alex is experiencing all the usual discomforts of pregnancy. To Larry’s frustration, Alex has decided he wants to continue the pregnancy and give birth to the baby, as he’s become emotionally connected to the idea of being a parent in this way.

As Alex progresses with his pregnancy, he develops a connection with Dr. Diana Reddin (Emma Thompson), the geneticist who provided the egg he used. Meanwhile, Larry’s former wife is expecting a baby too – not with Larry, but with Aerosmith’s trainer. To make matters worse, a dishonest coworker is attempting to steal credit for the entire experiment.

Why Doesn’t Junior Work as Well as Twins or Kindergarten Cop

The movie Junior likely wouldn’t be made now, given how much more open people are to different understandings of gender. However, it’s still commendable that the film attempts to explore what a man might experience if he were to carry and deliver a baby.

The movie’s humor feels forced and silly. While the idea of Schwarzenegger complaining about nipple sensitivity or having a bizarre dream might seem amusing on paper, whether audiences actually find it funny is questionable. It’s a strange direction for the team behind Twins to take. However, both films explore the theme of genetics, so some viewers might see them as a natural pairing.

Despite some silly moments, like Arnold Schwarzenegger wearing a dress, the movie Junior treats the topics of gender roles and childbirth with respect. It’s a perfectly enjoyable film for a casual watch, but it’s probably not one you’ll revisit often.

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2025-11-23 18:15