Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, slow-paced family film about finding your path.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gordon Family Tree
What's the Story?
Freemont Gordon (Ryan Schwartzman) has just turned 30. He works as an architect, a job he finds unsatisfying and unfulfilling. He also feels that he is lost in the shadows of a brother who is a popular pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, a sister who's a TV star, and a father who's a successful writer. He meets a woman who's a journalist, and when he inadvertently uncovers her notes on his family and sees next to his name "no story," he's moved to quit his job, get in his car, and leave his home in Los Angeles to go on a road trip. At the same time, he's inspired by the great feelings he has after building a tree house for his former boss's kids. On the road, Freemont meets families and offers to do odd jobs to earn his keep but also has surprises for all the kids he meets along the way: a treasure map leading to their own tree houses. By doing this, Freemont sees a new career unfold and a chance to do work that he loves, is passionate about, and helps make the world a better place.
Is It Any Good?
Despite its glacial pace, the movie's overall positive message should resonate with teens and parents trying to figure how to "do what you love and love what you do" when choosing a career. It's a "message movie" for people who like message movies.
For those not necessarily looking for a movie with a message, the action and the story itself don't always carry the day unless montages of the main character taking "selfies" in front of different states' "Welcome to" signs are something you enjoy. Furthermore, the movie doesn't take into account the reality that many people go through changes -- and reality issues came up time and time again with Eat, Pray, Love -- as most people can't simply quit their jobs and their lives because they're unfulfilled and hit the road. Still, if you're looking for a different choice for family movie night, Gordon Family Tree is a fine pick.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's message. How can you "do what you love and love what you do"?
Have you ever felt like you were in the shadow of a sibling or friend? How did you handle the situation?
If you could do any job in the world, what would it be, and why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 25, 2014
- Cast : Richard Karn , Corbin Bernsen , Jennica Schwartzman
- Director : Marc Hampson
- Studio : Monarch Home Video
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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