Parent reviews for The Squid and the Whale

Springing from the mind of "Fantastic Mr. Fox" writer Noah Baumbach, I could definitely see the similarities in the deadpan style of his wit in both films, including the delivery, which brought many, many funny moments. It's not laugh out loud per say, but moments someone like me, who isn't part of a nuclear family like the one portrayed in the film, can relate to. Daniels is near greatness here in his role as Bernard, a man who loves his sons but has the uncanny ability to tell them what they like, and in a way make them become more like him. There are no weak players here, and while some moments may seem strange or disgusting, that's because life isn't like the movies: it's weird sometimes. "Squid and the Whale" felt honest and at times heartbreaking. Definitely for older teens.

I watched this movie not knowing what it was about. The only memorable thing I can say is "Laura Linney and Jeff Daniels must have been desperate!" Definitely not for any age kids, especially impressionable ones. The 12 year old boy does things I would NEVER hope my children see. This mention ends abrubtly and leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

not for kids to see.

I watched The Squid and The Whale alone, thankfully. I don't know what the screenwriter was thinking, but he missed the boat on a couple of key issues. One, there are no consequences to anyone's actions. For example, when the younger son is caught masturbating on school grounds, the parents are informed and nothing happens. Nada. Zip. Nobody is outraged, hurt, shocked or upset by his behavior. When the older son is caught plagiarizing (he performs a song at his school's variety show that is written by Pink Floyd but claims that he wrote it), he is referred to the school psychologist. Why wasn't the younger son placed in counseling for his behavior (not to mention the fact that he is portrayed drinking not just beer but liquor)? Second, Bernard is clearly an unfit parent; he curses endlessly in front of his kids, has a visible affair with his student in their home, and leaves his younger son home alone while he goes to an event at a distant college campus with disastrous consequences. Again, nothing happens. Most mothers would haul him into court and limit his visitation, but Joan seems passive in this situation. Not good... Jeff Daniels is a great actor, but I felt like someone else would've portrayed Bernard with a better mix of skill and pathos. I ended up not caring about anyone in this picture and that shouldn't be the case with such a hot-button, emotionally-charged topic.