---
title: "House Arrest"
year: 1996
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/house-arrest-1996"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 18862
imdb_id: null
status: "Unknown"
community_rating: 5.4
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# House Arrest (1996) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/house-arrest-1996

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

House Arrest is a 1996 American comedy film that explores the lengths to which children will go to prevent their parents from divorcing. The story follows Grover and Stacy Beindorf, who decide to hold their parents, Janet and Ned, captive in the basement until they resolve their marital differences. The film serves as a product of mid-nineties family-oriented cinema, focusing on the comedic friction between the generations.

The film features a notable cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Pollak, and Jennifer Love Hewitt. With a runtime of 109 minutes, the pacing is designed to balance the domestic drama of the parents' situation with the comedic antics of the children. It remains a representative example of the era's focus on high-concept family comedies.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Two siblings lock their divorcing parents in the basement to force a reconciliation of their marriage."

### Why Watch
- Features an ensemble cast including Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Pollak.
- Explores the premise of children taking control of their parents' marital issues.
- Directed by Harry Winer and written by Michael Hitchcock.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The central premise of kidnapping parents may feel unrealistic or ethically questionable to some viewers.
- Tone & Suitability: The film is rated PG and maintains a comedic, lighthearted tone throughout its one hour and forty-nine minute runtime.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #family-comedy, #divorce-drama, #basement-confinement, #1990s-cinema, #parental-intervention, #teen-protagonists

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/house-arrest-1996#watch.

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream House Arrest?
Streaming availability for House Arrest can be checked via platforms like The Movie Database or local digital rental services.

### Q: Is the film worth watching?
Whether the film is worth watching depends on your interest in 1990s family comedies and the specific ensemble cast involved.

### Q: How long is the film?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and forty-nine minutes.

### Q: Are there essential episodes to watch?
House Arrest is a standalone feature film and does not contain episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [House Arrest — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/18862)
- [House Arrest (1996) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116571/fullcredits/)
- [House Arrest (1996 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Arrest_(1996_film))
- [House Arrest (1996) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/18862-house-arrest/cast)
- [HOUSE ARREST - mk2 Films](https://mk2films.com/en/film/house-arrest/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*