Parenthood (1989) User Reviews

Thoroughly enjoyable comedy drama

[ODDBear · 8/10 · 7 April 2006]

Parenthood is a thoroughly enjoyable comedy drama that you feel doesn't take as many convenient short cuts as many family movies do. Everyone has a colorful family to some extent; most (I hope) are full of good natured people but there are always rotten apples floating around.

Director Ron Howard puts many lives on display and different challenges each one faces and every one of these inspections have something to offer. Steve Martin's reactions to his older son's adjustment problems are very well realized, with many humorous moments, to be sure, but at the core is a maturely handled and moving segment, and Martin has rarely been better.

Diane Wiest's family drama consists of her inability to communicate properly to her two teenage children; the daughter a temperamental rebel with a "loser" boyfriend, the son a nearly recluse loner with raging hormones who thinks something is wrong with him (what guy hasn't been there at least once?). Superb performances form Wiest and (yes, surprisingly) Keanu Reeves really fuel this story which never loses itself despite seeing many humorous aspects in a rather depressing household.

Jason Robards plays the family father who hasn't been all that good to his children since...well ever, and he faces a tough assignment when he has to admit to himself that one of his children, who has learned the most from him, is heading into disaster fast. The scene where he asks Steve Martin for advice is a moving scene in so many ways; it's never too late for an old dog to learn new tricks.

Rick Moranis's tale of his insanely intellectual daughter is my least favorite but it does have a very charming conclusion. And that granny is priceless.

Parenthood may be even better for those who have children and can identify with some situations depicted here but as for me, I think I can learn a thing or two for years to come.

Forever relevant

[chasman99 · 8/10 · 28 April 2006]

I recall seeing this when it was released in '89. I found it funny but was only a Junior in high school at the time. Much of the humor and pain/struggle was lost on me. I rediscovered this on TV yesterday and just could not turn it off.

Having been married for a while and having kids of my own really brings this picture into focus. It is an amazing rendition of various families and how they are existing and treating their children. I identified so completely with Steve Martin's character that is was a bit scary.

I can see this film lasting the test of time very well. You can watch it as an outsider and enjoy the chaos or find yourself in one of the characters and enjoy the irony. Another Ron Howard masterpiece.

Hilarious, yet strangely realistic and touching

[Hayden-86055 · 8/10 · 31 December 2020]

Parenthood is a great comedy film with some emotional moments and brings up serious issues. It's a delight to see both a young Joaquin Phoenix and Keanu Reeves here and Steve Martin, along with Rick Moranis are both fantastic to watch. Furthermore, the children (along with Joaquin Phoenix) are among the best child actors I've ever seen and definitely deserve credit for playing such complex roles.

Plot wise it's quite basic but has a good tempo, the best scene was the party scene with Steve Martin up to his usual antics. Ron Howard did a good job directing.

8/10: Good fun with a lot of hard hitting messages about family

Are you someone's parent? Are you someone's child? SEE THIS MOVIE!!

[bigpurplebear · 18 April 2001]

When "Parenthood" first came out, I did my level best to avoid it, certain that it seeing it would be roughly akin to being embalmed with maple syrup. Then came that dreadfully slow night at home a couple of years later, faced with a choice on the ol' tube between endless reruns of "Three's Company" and HBO showing -- oh, no! -- "Parenthood." So I clicked on HBO, gritted my teeth, prepared for the worst . . .

And was wrong.

Ron Howard is one savvy filmmaker. Maybe one of the savviest, I'm not sure. But I do know that, to make "Parenthood," he combined his savvy with all the heart he could muster (which was plenty, apparently) and that the result is a masterpiece.

Virtually every aspect of parenting is examined; moreover, it is done in a way that -- miracle of miracles! -- causes you to think, and to feel, every bit as much as it makes you laugh. Throat lumping up? Not to worry, here comes another belly-laugh to smooth it out.

The key to the film's message may lie with Jason Robards' speech --"There's no goal line in parenting, no end zone where you spike the ball and that's it . . ." -- or it may lie with Keanu Reeves -- "You know, Mrs. Buckman, you need a license to drive a car or buy a dog . . ." -- or it may simply be Gil Buckman's (Steve Martin) heroism in salvaging his emotionally disturbed son's birthday party; then again, it might be embodied in the frantic, stressed out stoicism of Dianne Wiest's single mom character as she comes to grips with her teenage daughter's choices and impending motherhood. But wherever you find it herein, the message is simple and profound: Parenthood is nothing less than heroism on a daily basis. Quiet, unheralded, underappreciated heroism.

One of the finest things about this movie is that nobody steps out of character. There are no miraculous revelations, no nick-of-time cavalry charges or character transformations. Characters here solve their individual dilemmas by growing WITHIN their characters. And realistically, at that.

It's been said that a really good story leaves its author crying as he/she writes the final pages. Sometimes -- not often enough -- a really good movie can leave a reviewer the same way as he finishes his commentary, crying and laughing simultaneously.

Well, don't just stand there! Someone get me a Kleenex!!

A Sweet, warm-hearted, and subtle comedy

[LaChantefleurie · 6/10 · 20 September 2002]

One of the things I like about this movie is its...lack of obnoxiousness. Other comedies throw their scenes in your face with little tact and no subtlety, but not so with this movie. Not to say that it isn't funny. It's absolutely hilarious! But the main thing that appeals to me about Parenthood is the warm heart that is at the center of it all. These characters have nuanced, complicated, and not overly dramatic problems. Just like REAL PEOPLE, and unlike many of the one-faceted characters seen in movies today.

And what better actor to play Gil than Steve Martin? A comedic genius, Martin is capable of playing anything from slimy to sincere, conforming perfectly to his role, and it helps that he's not a cynic. Also watch for great appearances by Tom Hulce, perhaps best known as Amadeus (poor guy, where'd his career go?) and a very young Joaquin Phoenix as Gary.

All in all, a very funny and very sweet comedy that I will give a 9/10!!

The Ending Ruined it

[noonoonomore · 7/10 · 20 July 2017]

It's a great entertaining movie but the ending not only couldn't live up to the rest but also pulled the whole movie down a bit. It's hilarious and smart in all kinds of ways and stories are realistic even when they're weird, acting is good particularly by the little Joaquin Phoenix who looks a lot like his precious older brother, River, in this.

Through the whole movie you never feel like the writers have taken you as a dumb person trying to make you laugh with stupid pointless jokes, but the ending is like someone new has joined the writing team and has dumbed down everyone, from the cast and crew to the audience, pulling it down from a brilliant movie to a mediocre comedy, but one wouldn't regret watching it and it definitely deserves your time!

Disappointed

[drlith · 6/10 · 1 October 2006]

For some reason I was carrying around the impression that this was one of those really great movies that I'd never gotten around to seeing. So I was happy when it finally wended its way to the top of my Netflix queue. I am a big fan of Steven Martin, and I was hoping that this would be a movie that would showcase his dramatic side in the way that certain movies showcased Bill Murray as a serious actor.

I was, as the title of this review says, sadly disappointed. It's a rare movie, I suppose, that manages to balance comedy and drama, and this one failed in that regard. The dramatic element seemed trite and exaggerated: it was hard to take the serious side seriously because it was so overboard (the Rick Moranis family, e.g.). Then, played off against this, the parts that did force a laugh seemed somewhat juvenile. Finally, it's all wrapped together with the absolutely the most overdone movie cliché of the century--underdog kid catches winning fly ball.

Excellent mix of comedy and drama.

[Boba_Fett1138 · 9/10 · 2 May 2006]

This might very well be the most balanced- and excellent mix of drama and comedy I have ever seen. I already loved "Parenthood" when I was a kid and I perhaps love it even more now as a grownup, when I recently watched it again.

Perhaps the greatest strength of this movie is in its realism. Sure every character and event in the movie are somewhat silly and over-the-top but yet they also feel like very real problems and persons at the same time. This due to the great portrayal of the drama elements in the movie. These are real, recognizable or not, family-issues portrayed in this movie. It handles some delicate subjects but never without a smile as well. It makes this movie both touching and warm to watch, as well as fun and amusing.

Reason why both the dramatic and comical elements all work so well is also thanks to the cast. The movie has many well known actors in it. Tom Hulce especially impressed me and also Steve Martin was a great leading man, from the period when he was still funny in movies. Solid as always were Mary Steenburgen and Dianne Wiest. Rick Moranis surprisingly doesn't play a loser this time but he still is a nutty character in the movie. He shows in this movie that he also has some real acting skills. Keanu Reeves is also good in his role, from the period when he appeared mostly in just comedies. The still very young Joaquin Phoenix also plays a great and quite big role in the movie.

It has some totally unforgettable moments in it, both comedy-wise as in its drama. It all makes this movie one of the most warm and subtle movies ever made. It doesn't try to be funny, it doesn't try to be melodramatic. The end result of it all is an extremely well balanced and crafted mix of drama and comedy that works on both levels. You can watch this movie as a drama or as a comedy, so fans of both the genre will be pleased with this movie that surely does not disappoint in any way.

An early subtle Ron Howard masterpiece, that is criminally underrated here on IMDb.

9/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

Effective Comedy-Drama

[gcd70 · 7/10 · 21 November 2007]

Very effective comedy-drama from ace director Ron Howard about being a parent. The movie examines its subject from all angles and covers 'children' from toddlers to teens to full grown adults.

Our main parents are the 'Buckmans', played by Steve Martin and Mary Steenburgen, and their story is supported by many subplots involving other members of the family. The cast are great, and very funny, as they take us on the roller coaster ride of "Parenthood".

Simply scripted, the film raises many laughs and quite a few valid points. Just ask anyone, "Parenthood" is a lot of fun.

PS Also stars Dianne Wiest, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Keanu Reeves, Martha Plimpton, Jason Robards and Leaf Phoenix.

Friday, June 18, 1993 - T.V.

parenting 101 (and a graduate course)

[wotrwokr-1 · 9/10 · 2 July 2004]

there are movies that entertain... enlighten... challenge... confuse.

parenthood is a movie that will be more and more a classic as YOU move through life. it's a look at family-life and how we do the right things and the wrong things as we move from the "parentED" to the "parentERS". as lead-pastor of a church that is dedicated to serving 19 to 29 year olds, this is one movie that is as much a teaching lesson as it is entertainment.

when one looks to learn, there are many notes to be taken here. equally entertaining, the whole ensemble is stellar as it portrays the inner workings of the buckman family tree.

the 4 children of the patriarch and matriarch have grown and are now dealing with the parenting world first hand. they deal with the issues we all do: workaholism, divorce, "super"parenting, self-promotion, etc. as their circles of life intersect (and they always do...), all the family members come to some conclusions... between over-parenting and under-parenting, there's a place where love resides in all of its splendor and strain. love HAS to win the day... even when those we love do and act they way that troubles us. life is an eXpedition:... where we can struggle through it alone, or in with the support of others... but we're definitely going to have to be moving forward.

"parenthood" reminds us all of the journey we're on. as parents we really cannot live FOR our children... for really, we ALL are children... still learning and making mistakes along the way. we recognize that what we really need in our lives are people who will love us all along the way. we then realize this is what our children need as well.

the movie has so many deeply poignant, yet roll-on-the-floor funny moments.

two of many favorites: when the patriarch (jason robards)talking to (steve martin) realizes that his job as father never ends... "there is no end, you never cross the goal line, spike the ball and do your touchdown dance, never... i'm 64 and larry is 27... and he's still my son, like kevin is your son... you think i want him to get hurt?... he's my son". also when grandma explains life to her joy of a roller-coaster over a merry-go-round... "that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited and so thrilled all together... some didn't like it... they went on the merry-go-round... that just goes around... nothing... i like the roller-coaster... you get more out of it". life is seen as it's best understood... an amusement park that we all are going through. our perspective and our faith are the important factors.

to me, this movie is way more then entertainment... it's a blessing. it will teach... if we are willing to learn.

enjoy... and take good notes, ron

Good film

[dav7nine · 7/10 · 30 January 2005]

I think this is a really good film... a nice family film. Seen it a few times just lazing about the house, probably the best place! - hahaha.

It centres around a family and it's just about all the different inter-generational relationships that exist between members of the family. Steve Martin is the main character and there's some good moments with all the different people involved.

My favourite moments mainly involve the grandad, he's got his classic car in the garage and comes out with some cracking lines.....

A good film and I'd recommend it to anyone...

7/10

Good performances from a lot of good actors

[d858thompson · 9/10 · 7 February 2005]

This is a classic ensemble film. It has an amazing cast of very talented people. I wonder how they got so lucky to get so many really good actors together with such varied films behind them. Steve Martin does a really good job and never has a bad moment in the film but the rest of the cast is great. Easily, one of Keanu Reeves' best early films. Joaquin Phoenix is great in his role. Dianne Wiest is priceless and has some really good scenes, including those with her daughter Martha Plimpton. Whatever happened to Martha Plimpton by the way? She was great in this and in "Running on Empty." Who plays that grandmother? She's great! Mary Steenburgen, Rick Moranis... Goes on and on. And the great Jason Robards. One of the finest actors this world has ever known. This is really a good movie about families - the good and bad side of them and some great moments about fatherhood. This is really, really a good movie and one that can be appreciated by so many people. A good rental - a good family movie. Go for it!

Parenthood

[jboothmillard · 7/10 · 10 March 2008]

From director Ron Howard (Splash, The Grinch), this is a feel-good family film that may not be suitable for young ages (it's a 15, for the swearing), but a good film for those who can watch. It is basically all about the joys (and otherwise) of bringing up children, i.e. being a parent, literally what the title suggests. Gil Buckman (Golden Globe nominated Steve Martin) and wife Karen (Mary Steenburgen) are having to cope with changes to the life of their autistic child. Gil's sister Helen (Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Dianne Wiest) is raising her seemingly disturbed son Garry Buckman-Lampkin (Joaquin Phoenix, as Leaf Phoenix) going through puberty and daughter Julie (Martha Plimpton) who is having a sexual relationship and then marriage to nitwit boyfriend Tod Higgins (Keanu Reeves). Gil's others sister Susan Buckman (Harley Jane Kozak) has a sweet daughter with husband Nathan Huffner (Rick Moranis) who is arrogant and overly obsessed with making the daughter smart. Finally, Gil's youngest sibling brother Larry Buckman (Tom Hulce) has drifted into get rich quick schemes, and had ended up owing money to the mob, or face the consequences. Also starring Jason Robards as Frank Buckman and Jasen Fisher as Kevin Buckman. Many moments of laughs and giggles, but the highlights for me were Martin dressed as a cowboy for a birthday party, and Moranis singing "Close To You" in a classroom to win back his wife. It was nominated the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Song for Randy Newman's "I Love To See You Smile". Very good!

dated placebo to the difficulties of parenting

[lasttimeisaw · 4/10 · 7 June 2014]

What leads me to watch this film is Dianne Wiest's singular Oscar-nomination, how rare a mainstream comedy stars Steve Martin could generate an Oscar-caliber performance? Is it as wackily diverting as Marisa Tomei in MY COUSIN VINNY (1992, 7/10) or a rowdy and raunchy scene-stealer as Melissa McCarthy in BRIDESMAIDS (2011, 7/10)? Neither is the case here, thus the answer could only be that it is Academy's honeymoon period with Wiest, who has just won an Oscar 3 years earlier for Woody Allen's HANNAH AND HER SISTERS (1986, 8/10) and would harvest her second trophy pretty soon in another Allen's satire BULLETS OVER Broadway (1994, 8/10).

However, skimming through the credits, it is a quite impressive ensemble here, besides Wiest, there are Oscar winners Steenburgen and Robards, the flash-in-the-pan Oscar nominee Tom Hulce with future leading man Keanu Reeves and Joaquin Phoenix, the burn-too-soon starlet Martha Plimpton, and it is directed by Ron Howard to boot, chances are the film might be more than a crowd-pleasing family fare, and again, I am so wrong!

It is a big family, its patriarch Frank (Robards) has four children, the eldest Helen (Wiest), a divorcée with two children, the adolescent Julie (Plimpton) and the introvert teenager Garry (Phoenix); Gil (Martin) is the second, he and his wife Karen (Steenburgen) have 3 children, among whom Kevin (Fisher) is a school-kid has some mood issues and needs special treatment; Susan (Kozak) is the youngest daughter, married to Nathan (Moranis), they have one girl Patty (Schwan), who is under Nathan's unconventional upbringing method and on her fast lane to become a child prodigy; the most problematic one is the youngest son Larry (Hulce), a black sheep in the family, a ne'er-do-well addicts to gambling. Spoiler alert, this is not the end, the family is keeping expanding as if it is a blatant advertisement of unprotected sex.

Not exactly an out-and-out comedy, the film sums up a menagerie of headaches of being a parent, all are laboriously entwined in a cumbersome plot, and even though, in the end, everyone is still fearlessly riding on the way to make babies, yeah, being a parent is sometimes irritating, but you know what, no one can escape that, 3 is never enough, 4 might be better, even though he or she may end up being a jerk like Larry. It might be edifying 25 years ago (low birth rate in the state I assume), but now, it seems shamelessly narrow-minded and self- pleasingly irresponsible, we don't buy that now, not everyone suits to be a parent, it is a demanding job and should need a certificate, paraphrasing the dimwitted Tod (Reeves) who expresses the most incisive remark which should be legitimized so that there will be far less lousy parents in the world.

On a whole, the film doesn't age well, its content feels uneasily predictable, most of time it persists in stating the obvious and plugging a unified American lifestyle, the cast is inequitable, Martin, Steenburgen, Wiest and Robards all have their moments from time to time, but Hulce and Moranis are tainted by the crappy script. Even grandma's sensible credo (roller coaster Vs. merry-go-around) sounds jarringly self-important near the end, anyway, not my cup-of-tea, period.

Outstanding!

[grendelkhan · 20 April 2003]

This is a wonderful film that takes full advantage of both a great script and an outstanding cast. It shows, with equal measure, the joys and pain of parenting. We see great examples of dysfunction and love. It is sentimental, but not to the point of being unreal.

Steve Martin gives a tremendous performance as a father, who wants to be everything that he feels his father wasn't: loving, caring, and involved in his children's lives in a positive manner. He is torn between his duties as a provider and the need to be there for his children. Mary Steenburgen is wonderful, as always, as a devoted wife and mother. She tries to keep her family on an even keel and to soothe their anxieties, her husband included. She conveys so much with just body language and has a smile that seems to come from her soul. Jason Robards is his usual powerful self, as the patriarch who made himself a success, but at the expense of his family. He recognizes his mistakes and finds a chance to make some amends in his twilight years.

Diana Weist is the single mother, trying to provide for her troubled children, and find some life for herself. She wants to give her kids what they want, but is torn between giving to them and watching them make mistakes. Rick Moranis is the parent who wants their child to succeed, to the point of smothering their childhood. He wants the best for his child, but fails to see that childhood should be as much about play and new experiences, as it is about education. His wife wants the same, but wants their daughter to be a little girl, too. She also wants another child, but feels that she is alone in this area and is losing her husband. Tom Hulce is the irresponsible, youngest sibling, who has run off whenever things have become too tough. Things get tough when you are a parent, and he stays true to form.

The young actors are all tremendously talented and the little ones are quite cute. It is no surprise that these performances are so good, given that the director was a child actor himself. Ron Howard really knows how to bring the best out of young actors, as well as their adult counterparts.

There is so much to savor in this film. There are great laughs and touching moments. There is drama and satire. There is the joy of watching great character actors display their craft. There are the clearly defied roles, with great complexity, that are easy to identify with.

This is a film that all parents should see. Kids should see this, when they are old enough to understand the sacrifices that their parents make for them and why they make the decisions that they do. Parenting: it's the toughest job you'll ever love!

The many facets of being a parent

[NestorTheGreat · 7/10 · 19 March 2022]

A film about raising children, and not necessarily your own! A look at the hardest job that gets no bonus cheque, no paid vacation, and once you are in it, you'll be one till death: Parenting! It's harder than adolescence!

From the act of making a baby, having one, raising him or her, getting through the teenage years, through to becoming a grandparent, whether you want to or not, all sides of parenting are covered. And it is not pretty! Funny, sometimes, but it's no easy job.

Young parents with babies compared with middle-aged ones with teens versus grandparents trying to lend a hand without getting too involved: all views get a glimpse.

Through the comedy of errors that is learning-on-the-go, as a parent myself I can attest, there is no manual of perfect parenting! As each child is an individual with unique needs and personalities, parenting is more a guessing game than an exact science!

Steve Martin leads the cast of parents in all stages of despair demonstrating that it's sometimes harder being the parent your child needs, but that the love a parent has for their child is infinite and abundant...most of the time.

A surprising cast telling a much-needed perspective about the many shapes a family can take.

this film is so touching

[stellamarianx · 7/10 · 19 December 2003]

i like this film because although at times it seems a little ridiculous, over all it is sweet and touching. Being a parent is not easy and we see this through the eyes of the characters in the film. My favourites were Steve Martin, Diane Wiest, Keanu Reeves and Joaquin Phoenix ( looking very different from the way he is today) I could have done without Rick Moranis as a pressuring jerk but i guess it justs adds to the story. Tom Hulce also stars as an irresponsilbe father and his kid Cool is so cute. Tom hulce looks very different from his Amadeus days.

The joys of raising kids. It isn't easy.

[michaelRokeefe · 6/10 · 15 June 2007]

Director Ron Howard co-writes this salute to parenthood. A heartwarming comedy that sneaks in the drama of being a parent and a grandparent. Parenthood can be thankless and like a battlefield. Gil(Steve Martin)and Karen Buckman(Mary Steenburgen)face every possible emotion and situation that comes with raising children. The story line features a college drop-out, a perplexed single mom and a high-toned couple dealing with an overachiever. And Jason Robards represents the older generation. The cast also features the apt talents of: Dianne Wiest, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Joaquin Phoenix, Keanu Reeves and Tom Hulce. Martin and Wiest were outstanding. On the other hand, I found Hulce just plain irritating. PARENTHOOD is to not be compared to a self-help book.

You've only got one life to live so keep your children out of another world.

[mark.waltz · 10/10 · 8 July 2021]

This is really a comical soap opera, the combined stories of four siblings, the offspring of the emotionally distant alcoholic Jason Robards who spent more time drinking and living in his own fantasy world, favoring the youngest (Tom Hulce), the blacksheep, while dealing with the others (eldest Steve Martin and daughters Dianne Wiest and Harley Jane Kozak) through ignoring them or wisecracks. Martin and Wiest are equally neurotic, dealing with their own troubled children as best as they know how (sometimes far too nurturing and clinging), while the somewhat sensible Kozak is stuck with the uppity husband Rick Moranis whose advanced ideas of child rearing are far too bizarre to go into practice.

Martin's oldest son, Kevin, gives him and his beautiful wife Mary Steenburgen a lot of worry as their concern over his excessive emotions has them debating their parental skills. Martin has a series of bizarre fantasies over how Kevin will grow up, but their issues are nothing compared to the divorced Wiest who finds that teen daughter Martha Plimpton is sleeping with a boy (Keanu Reeves) she can't stand and son Gary is resentful over being rejected by his remarried father. Wiest (Oscar nominated for her showy performance) and Martin try too hard to be good parents, unintentionally damaging them, although there are some tender moments with them as well, and a surprising one between Wiest and Reeves has a piece of wisdom I've heard from my own mother, although not quite put in the way Reeves says it.

Eileen Ryan, as the mother of the four adults, and especially Helen Shaw as her loveable mother, offer a few scene stealing moments, and every moment with great grandma is a special one, especially each eye roll over her realization that her descendents are all idiots. Moranis and Hulce, fantastic in other films, are completely wasted here, their characters rather unlikeable and underdeveloped. Still with what is there concerning Martin, Wiest and to a lesser point Kozak (who really deserved a better career as an actress, even with her early appearances in contract roles on three soap operas), you've got a fabulous story of family and the types of issues that often question why we keep them around. The writing and direction are very special here with Ron Howard showing wisdom as well as heart. This is the type of film that you can revisit every couple of years and learn something new.

Steve Martin and Ron Howard. Hmmm...

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 22 June 2006]

In "Parenthood", Ron Howard looks at the vicissitudes of having a family. Focusing on several families, the movie makes the most of itself. Steve Martin is the nominal star, but many other people show themselves to be just as capable in their roles, especially Mary Steenburgen as Martin's ever-loving wife, and Tom Hulce as the immature sibling. Some parts seem to have been thrown in for comic relief (like that one song), but the movie never gets idiotic. A particularly funny scene is what Steve Martin does at the birthday party (and specifically, how he explains his presence).

All in all, this movie makes family life look scary, fun, weird, and insane, all at the same time. It's one flick that you won't find boring. Also starring Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves, and even a very young Joaquin Phoenix.

They just don't make 'em like this no mo'

[jrmoran-69863 · 8/10 · 13 January 2023]

I was laughing out loud several times during this movie. Mostly at the parts they would never put in a movie these days and the things that get people canceled in todays world. I have a toddler and a newborn so this is made for people like me. Might be my favorite Steve Martin movie but all the characters are spot on and really help fill out the family well. Crazy to see Joaquin Phoenix as a young kid playing little Garry, my wife spotted it right away and I had to look it up on my IMDB app, can't go without it. I highly recommend this movie if you are a parent, they cast a wide net so there's bound to be parts of it that you will relate to or find funny.

Nice but not exceptional

[KingBrian1 · 7/10 · 4 August 2014]

This movie is fun and enjoyable for all age groups. The characters are well handled and the story is engaging. Despite what is says on the back of the DVD this story is not just about Steve Martin although he is the key protagonist in the movie.

The best parts of the film are with the mother and her daughter and son scenes, The husband and wife scenes and the Old man and his troubled son. These worked well and I felt they were more reflective of the 20th century American Family.

The movie is an easy watch. Rich Moranis and Keanu Reeves are prominent stars that do a good job in the film. They should be given a mention as they were arguable as important as Steve in the film.

An enjoyable film worth the watch.

The OG Modern Family

[thesar-2 · 8/10 · 18 August 2019]

30th Anniversary: 1989 - the Best Year in Cinema Marathon Film #55/100: "Parenthood" (2nd Viewing.) I can see why this spawned a successful TV series, though not really interested in seeing any more. This movie was just fine. I found myself laughing out loud more than about a dozen times. I worried about the runtime up front - over 2 hours, but it never felt long and I definitely got involved with this family. Really enjoyed this touching family drama/comedy.

Parenthood's a mess, enjoy.

[Kamurai25 · 6/10 · 10 June 2020]

Decent watch, probably won't watch again, but could recommend.

Sometimes its good to get in the way back machine and see movies that really drove today's tropes, like the "crazy dysfunctional big family" trope.

Steve Martin is always fun, if a little weird in this at times.

This feels more like just a representation of how hard parenting can be because all people, including children, are different and have different wants and needs.

Its a fun little adventure of a movie, but not much re-watchability.

Director Howard brings it together for a sweet finish, yet most of "Parenthood" is woefully unsubtle...

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 5 April 2009]

Intelligently-crafted, though ultimately uneven and shallow mosaic of stories centering on the members of a large, colorful modern family. Director Ron Howard has a tough time getting the picture's rhythm going, and for the first two-thirds of an hour it does nothing but meander and flail away on stale jokes. The screenplay, by Howard's real-life pals Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel (with help from Howard himself), isn't too wacky, yet the film is full of peaks and valleys. Since the writing isn't initially assured, the tone of the picture swings from comically-credible to cartoonish. The performances by the cast are uneven, too, ranging from fine (Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Hulce and Jason Robards) to dull (Keanu Reeves and Martha Plimpton) to over-exaggerated (Dianne Wiest, who received an Oscar nomination and most of the critical plaudits). Ganz and Mandel aspire to touchy-feely, fuzzy family comedy, so it comes as a surprise that parts of "Parenthood" are actually rather crass, while Howard, as a director of comedy, needs to reel-in his penchant for cuteness. ** from ****