Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Goodhearted but predictable father-daughter comedy; language
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Like Father
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?
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
- On DVD or streaming : August 3, 2018
- Cast : Kristen Bell , Kelsey Grammer , Seth Rogen
- Director : Lauren Miller Rogen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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