| Director | Ivan Reitman |
|---|---|
| Genre | LGBT-related film, action film, buddy cop film, comedy film, comedy thriller |
| Runtime | 107 min |
| Country | United States |
| Budget | $15 million |
| Box office | $202 million |
In Los Angeles, ruthless drug lord Cullen Crisp murders a man who had provided information about the whereabouts of Crisp's ex-wife, Rachel, who went into hiding years earlier with their young son, Cullen Jr. Crisp is arrested by John Kimble, a gruff, hard-driving LAPD narcotics detective who has pursued him for years, and is detained based on the testimony of sex worker Cindy, who witnessed the murder. Believing Rachel's testimony is essential to securing a conviction, Kimble is partnered with detective Phoebe O'Hara and sent to locate her in Astoria, Oregon.
Unaware of Rachel's new identity, the pair plan to find her through Cullen Jr., believed to be enrolled in kindergarten at the local elementary school. O'Hara intends to pose as a substitute teacher to observe the class, but when she falls seriously ill, Kimble is forced to take her place despite having no teaching experience and little patience for young children.
Kimble's first days in the classroom are chaotic, and principal Ingrid Schlowski doubts his suitability. Over time, however, he establishes order using firm discipline, structured routines, and unconventional methods drawn from his police background. He gradually bonds with the children, earning their trust and affection while discovering he enjoys teaching. His pet ferret becomes the class mascot, and his growing empathy reveals a gentler side of his personality. Meanwhile, O'Hara recovers and remains in Astoria, posing as Kimble's Austrian sister while continuing the investigation.
As Kimble settles into the role, he becomes increasingly invested in the children's welfare. When he suspects one pupil is being abused by his father, Kimble confronts the man and ensures legal action is taken, impressing Schlowski despite his unorthodox approach. He also grows close to fellow teacher Joyce and her son Dominic, one of his students, and reveals he has a teenage son living with his ex-wife. Dominic quickly comes to see Kimble as a father figure. Joyce explains that Dominic's father is absent, refusing to elaborate. From his observations, Kimble deduces Joyce is Rachel and Dominic is Cullen Jr. Meanwhile, Cindy dies after using cocaine tainted by Crisp's mother and accomplice, Eleanor, eliminating the prosecution's key witness. With the case collapsing, Crisp is released and travels to Astoria with Eleanor to reclaim his son.
Realizing the danger, Kimble confronts Rachel and reveals his identity, promising protection if she cooperates. Though initially furious at his deception, she is persuaded to stay with Kimble after he admits that his ex-wife prevents him from seeing his own son, and does not want to lose Rachel or Dominic.
Crisp arrives at the school and starts a fire in the library as a diversion, enabling him to seize Dominic. Kimble confronts him, but Crisp takes the boy hostage. Kimble's ferret—hidden in Dominic's sweater—bites Crisp, allowing Dominic to escape. Crisp shoots Kimble in the leg, and Kimble returns fire, fatally wounding him. Outside, Eleanor strikes O'Hara with her car before entering the school. Finding her son dead, she shoots Kimble in the shoulder and demands Dominic's location, but O'Hara arrives just in time to knock her unconscious with a baseball bat. Eleanor is arrested, and Kimble is hospitalized with his injuries, to the distress of his students; both he and O'Hara recover.
Afterward, O'Hara returns to Los Angeles, while Kimble leaves police work and remains in Astoria as a full-time kindergarten teacher. Joyce stays with him, and the two share a kiss as the children cheer.