Common Sense Note
Parents should 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 who see this movie might discuss 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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Michael Scheinfeld
A great ensemble cast, headed by Steve Martin and Jason Robards, stars in Ron Howard's 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.
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.
Despite the subject matter involving children, this is definitely not a movie for kids. Sure, there are lots of cute scenes with adorable toddlers, but the movie is actually a perceptive look at the grown-up challenges of parenthood. Divorce, illegitimacy, competitiveness, and emotional development are all tackled with wit and sensitivity.
Because of the engaging humor, many viewers will find PARENTHOOD entertaining -- but it has added relevance for parents. They'll recognize immediately the many dilemmas we've all faced (from bedtime battles to dealing with real fears and emotions). For another dose of real-life parenting drama, check out Kramer vs. Kramer.
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. Martin does cut loose as a "wild and crazy guy" (a la All of Me) at his son's birthday party and at the Little League game. 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. For more Steve Martin in funny, touching family situations, check out Father of the Bride.
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Sexual ContentTeens are shown in bed together and taking nude pictures. One comic scene involves a sexual device. |
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LanguageAdults use mild expletives, but not excessively so. |
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