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Hamlet and Hutch
By Tracy Moore,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Alzheimer's drama has strong messages, mature themes.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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What's the Story?
Papa Hutch (Burt Reynolds) is a Broadway star well past his glory days when he finds himself living with his granddaughter Tatum (Terri Vaughn) and her daughter Liz (Emma Rayne Lyle). What could be a chance at rekindling familial connection becomes fraught when it's clear that Hutch is struggling with Alzheimer's and proving to be a difficult addition to this single mom's family.
Is It Any Good?
HAMLET AND HUTCH provides some good family fodder. It explores the complications of intergenerational family ties in a way that's direct and honest but not too dark and manages to blend a lot of layers: elder care issues, the role of dogs in elder care, the issues of being a single mom, and the importance of hobbies and art, particularly as we get older, in giving us a sense of connectedness and community. That said, these are still heavy themes -- past complications in family life surface, from bad relationships between parents and children to issues left unresolved when parents pass away. Lots of good substance here, but best for older kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Alzheimer's. Do you know anyone with Alzheimer's? Do you think the movie portrays it realistically? Why, or why not?
How do dogs help the elderly? What do you think they can offer that people can't?
The film has a strong message about following one's commitments. What commitments have you followed through on? What was it like? How did it make you feel to finish something important?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: May 13, 2014
- Cast: Burt Reynolds , Terri Vaughn , Emma Rayne Lyle
- Director: Carelton Holt
- Studio: Vision Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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