Parenthood (1989)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Ron Howard

Writers (WGA):

Lowell Ganz (story) &
Babaloo Mandel (story) ...

Release Date:

2 August 1989 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

It could happen to you.

Plot:

The Buckman family is a midwestern family all dealing with their lives: estranged relatives, raising children, pressures of the job, and learning to be a good parent and spouse.

Plot Keywords:

Parent | Conversation | Blockbuster | Little League | Teenage Angst

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 7 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Fri. July 10

8:00 PM

WGNAMER

Cast

Steve Martin	...	Gil Buckman
Mary Steenburgen	...	Karen Buckman
Dianne Wiest	...	Helen Buckman
Jason Robards	...	Frank Buckman
Rick Moranis	...	Nathan Huffner
Tom Hulce	...	Larry Buckman
Martha Plimpton	...	Julie Buckman
Keanu Reeves	...	Tod Higgins
Harley Jane Kozak	...	Susan Buckman (as Harley Kozak)
Dennis Dugan	...	David Brodsky
Joaquin Phoenix	...	Garry Buckman-Lampkin (as Leaf Phoenix)
Eileen Ryan	...	Marilyn Buckman
Helen Shaw	...	Grandma
Jasen Fisher	...	Kevin Buckman
Paul Linke	...	George Bowman

Runtime:

124 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Iceland:L | Canada:14A (Ontario) | South Korea:15 | Argentina:13 | Finland:K-12/9 | France:U | Netherlands:AL | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13 | West Germany:12 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Gainesville, Florida, USA

Company:

Imagine Entertainment

Trivia:

Martha Plimpton plays the older sister of Joaquin Phoenix. In real life, she dated his older brother River Phoenix for nearly five years.

Goofs:

Continuity: During the "Electric Ear Cleaner" scene the girl is asking her mum what the item is and is looking straight ahead seemingly at her, whereas her mum is stood behind her. This is apparent for the next few shots.

Quotes:

Justin: Who's that?
Gil: It's my kid brother, Larry, your uncle. Don't give him any money.
Justin: I wont.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Be Kind Rewind (2008)

Soundtrack:

I Love To See You Smile

A Sweet, warm-hearted, and subtle comedy

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!!