Parenthood

Starring: Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Weist, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves, Tom Hulce, Eileen Ryan, Leaf Pheonix, Helen Shaw, Harley Jane Kozak
Written by: Bobaloo Mandel, Lowell Ganz, 
Director: Ron Howard
Year: 1989

Rating: * * * * 1/2  Stars       +       (Fan Bonus - )  Total: * * * * 1/2




Perhaps the single greatest film to comment on the modern dynamic of today's American middle-class family. This splendid film is near flawless from the fine performances of its cast to Ron Howards' seasoned directing. It poignantly tells the story of the pitfalls and promise of a multi-generational, multi-faceted family unit.


Early on in the film we are guests at a family dinner that introduces us to the Buckman family. Jason Robards and Eileen Ryan play Frank and Marilyn Buckman, an elderly couple with four grown children ranging from late 20's to early 40's. Frank and Marilyn are relics of a bygone era, where the wife was submissive, quiet and reserved. Frank is a bit overbearing and a curmudgeon. He's hard working, owns his own business and is looking forward to retirement. Steve Martin plays the eldest son, Gil Buckman. Along with his wife Karen (Mary Steenburgen) they're raising three children, with concern over their oldest son Kevin, who may have to be enrolled in a special needs program next year. Dianne Weist masterfully absorbs herself into the role of Helen Buckman, a divorcee and single mother of two. Her son Gary (Leif Phoenix) is going through a phase and she can't seem to connect with him. Her 17 year old daughter Julie (Martha Plimpton) is seriously involved with a boy that Mom disapproves of. Harley Jane Kozak plays Susan, the younger daughter, married to Nathan Huffner (Rick Moranis). They have one child, a 4 year old girl who Nathan tutors constantly. More at home playing with Mensa puzzles than dolls, Nathan carefully structures her future while Susan longs to simply play with her own daughter. Finally, we have Gary (Tom Hulce) who returns to the fold from spending a few years away. Jobless and addicted to gambling, he introduces his family to his young son, Kool, a half-black child abandoned by his Mother/Gary's ex-girlfriend. And then there's Grandma, Marilyn's Mother, the lovable old lady who bounces from household to household.


Each character in this film is fully fleshed out. They each have their set of charm and character flaws. Ron Howard seamlessly blends comedy, drama and sorrow resulting in a very real and believable story. The characters, scenes and situations are very relatable, and audiences can draw similarities to events or people in their lives.


We are treated to all the things parents deal with, including Birthday parties, teen pregnancy, separation,  pressures at work, marriage, little league, school plays, romance, dating, respect, and coming to terms with themselves and their family. There is no overall happy ending to this film, as life goes on, and so does parenthood. What we are treated to instead, is a final fond moment in the lives of the Buckmans, with a feeling that even though they have an uncertain future, their personal growth throughout the film offers a sense of hope that they'll be alight.






SEE THE TRIALER: Parenthood