PARENTHOOD is really funny and my family loves the silly humour, but it also tackles some really adult themes that under 10s won't get or will ask about 4 years before they should.
Parenthood
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Hilarious and poignant, but not for kids.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13 and Up
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Parenthood was written by Michael Scheinfeld
Parents need to know that despite the subject matter involving children, this is definitely not a movie for kids. The themes are mature and the plot is sometimes racy. Teens are shown in bed together and taking nude pictures. One comic scene involves a sexual device. Adults use mild expletives, but not excessively so.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about why, even though this is a comedy, much of the material is emotionally raw or touching. Why do you think some of the best comedies broach real life situations and themes? Do we recognize our own situations in the characters, making the humor funnier? Or is it that the dramatic moments make the funny ones seem funnier? Or is there another reason?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Parenthood
What’s the Story?
The Buckmans are a modern-day, middle-class family facing the age-old dilemmas of parenthood. Gil (Steve Martin) is an anxious dad who still bears resentment toward his neglectful father, Frank (Jason Robards). While Gil and his wife, Karen, deal with their emotionally troubled son, Gil's sister Susan struggles with her overbearing yuppie husband, Nathan (Rick Moranis). Meanwhile, Gil's other sister Helen is a divorced mom dealing with a rebellious son and a sexually active teen daughter. Gil's irresponsible younger brother, Larry, returns home to dump his illegitimate son and gambling debts on the family. After many memorable scenes -- some funny, some sad, some both -- things work themselves out in a relatively realistic fashion.
Is It Any Good?
A great ensemble cast stars in Ron Howard's PARENTHOOD, a sweet take on the joys and heartaches of child rearing. Hilarious and poignant, it's an insightful movie with enough profanity and sexual situations to make it off-limits for young viewers. Divorce, illegitimacy, competitiveness, and emotional development are all tackled with wit and sensitivity. Parents will recognize immediately the many dilemmas we've all faced (from bedtime battles to dealing with real fears and emotions).
At times Parenthood flirts with becoming a big-screen sitcom, but it avoids that trap by mixing genuine laughs with honest tears, and by giving every character substance. The wonderful cast helps, particularly the unusually restrained Steve Martin. The rest of the large cast is equally fine, especially Dianne Wiest, who received an Oscar nomination for her performance as Helen. The movie's episodic structure slows things down a bit, and the sentimental finale is slightly over the top. On the whole, though, Parenthood a wise, witty, and warm movie.
Movie Details
Studio: Universal Studios, Director: Ron Howard
Run time: 110 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/2/1989, DVD release: 1/11/2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for Parents Strongly Cautioned
Run time: 110 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/2/1989, DVD release: 1/11/2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for Parents Strongly Cautioned
Our Members Say
See all 2 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
-
I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
parent hood the movie
i dont think this is okay to show anyone under the age of 10 it's inaproprate and it sets a bad example if you are showing your kid this movie tell them before "Honey,this movie you are about to watch use your instinks and dont let this ever happen to you."
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you seen it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
