Parents' Guide to

Like Father

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Goodhearted but predictable father-daughter comedy; language

Movie NR 2018 98 minutes
Like Father Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Like Father Movie: Harry Hamilton & Rachel Hamilton
  • Like Father Movie: Meet Jeff
  • Like Father Movie: Daughter & Dad
  • Like Father Movie: Cruise Ship Games

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Jana248
Jana248 Parent of 13-year-old
June 1, 2019
age 12+
meliwe
meliwe Adult
August 14, 2018
age 15+

Daughters process to healing herself by accidentally reuniting with absent father

Found it quite refreshing to for once see a movie where the woman is not portrayed "perfect" or "sweet", but a person with good and bad behaviours. Bell is good in the role, stern, assertive yet breakable and because the movie focuses on her changing her habits I find it a good movie to see to give example that even nonperfect girls/women deserve portrayal in their process of healing their self. The returning absent father was portrayed well by Kelsey Grammer, and also showed how a person can be both well-meaning but egoistic and how those behovioral patterns can affect their children. A warming end, of course, where the father is allowed to be wholly emotional and give hope for evolution in the norm of "manly man". Because of this I rate it great role models, as the persons are portrayed as p e r s o n s, making choices to do right. They are not perfect but give a tad of hope even an old dog can learn to sit. Quite diverse cast, minorities are though represented a bit too stereotypically to have this movie called wholly diverse in casting/roles. The one scene where Bells character goes one night stand is refreshing because no "sex" is showed onscreen and she is not coerced to anything but just wants to do it. Nicely shows that a woman is not "bad" for wanting. Big minus for all the product placement and alcohol/drinking culture-but then again it does not only show it in "good"light, and fact is, that many people realistically go on party cruises to do just that-drink. Which is then realistic. Easy going with moments of depth, but overall a light hearted and in many ways good movie. Better than many of the same style.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In LIKE FATHER, Rachel Hamilton (Kristen Bell) is so obsessed with her work as an advertising executive that she's left at the altar by a nice young man who simply wanted her undivided attention at their wedding. She's devastated but also unnerved when she gets a glimpse of her estranged father, Harry (Kelsey Grammer), among the guests. At home later, Rachel is drowning her sorrows in a bottle when Harry shows up at her apartment. "Just one drink," he insists over the intercom. In spite of her misgivings, Rachel accepts. That "one drink" leads to a long night of drunkenness and superficial reconnection. When a limo driver shows up in the early morning hours, Rachel is stunned. She's completely forgotten that her honeymoon was scheduled to begin. So unexpectedly, the hungover Rachel and Harry wake up to find themselves on a cruise ship together. The fun and games of the Caribbean cruise, a tryst with an eager young man (Seth Rogen), and a lot of forced father-daughter time may be just what was needed to make Rachel and Harry a family once again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (4):

Appealing lead performances, especially by Kristen Bell, who's just right as Rachel, along with the creative team's enthusiasm and competence, don't make up for the formulaic story that unfolds. The film's outcome is never in doubt. Tablemates on the ship are the expected ones: a gay couple, an African American couple, and an older, most likely Jewish, duo. And while it's tantalizing to see the games, excursions, and partying that goes on aboard the good ship "Harmony of the Seas" -- Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. is surely smiling -- some of the activities are silly, worn-out, and forced, as are some of the "working it out" scenes between father and daughter. Watchable, but not special, Like Father is both a redemption story and an extensive, marketing-savvy look at cruising on one of the enormous "floating hotels" now making their way through the seas in the tropical sunshine.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the elements that make a movie "predictable." At what point in the story were you aware of how Like Father would end? In what ways did the journey that Rachel and Harry took keep you engaged? Was the film still enjoyable even though you knew how it would turn out?

  • "Product placement" means that products or services gain exposure by inclusion in filmed entertainment. How much exposure does Royal Caribbean get in Like Father? Are you aware that the cruise line may have allowed filming on their ship as a means of marketing? Why is it important to be aware of such practices?

  • Why do you think the movie has so much swearing? What do you think the filmmakers were trying to convey about character and/or situation by using profanity? Did it help you get a handle on Rachel's nature? Did it seem integral to the intensity she exhibited in her work life? Would the film have worked as well without it? Why or why not?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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