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.