1 Good Movie, But DVD Issue
Although the theatrical aspect ratio of this movie was 1.85:1, while the DVD aspect ratio is 4:3, this is not a "Pan&Scan" DVD. In other words, almost none of the original theatrical image has been removed for exhibition on a 4:3 television screen. The film negative aspect ratio was 1.37:1 (almost 4:3), and for theatrical exhibition, the image was "matted" (partially covered from the top down and bottom up) to produce a 1.85:1 image. For exhibition on a 4:3 television screen, the "mattes" have simply been removed. So the DVD exhibition actually shows 25.9 percent more image than the theatrical exhibition. The movie was likely filmed this way so that the theatrical image wouldn't be butchered on television by the "Pan&Scan" process, and because the filmmakers didn't foresee the current state of the home video market, where consumers prefer movies presented in their theatrical aspect ratio, rather than in a ratio in which the image will fill up their 4:3 television screen (if there is a difference). This DVD presents the movie in the aspect ratio in which the filmmakers wanted people to see it on a 4:3 television, but it does not present the movie in the aspect ratio in which the filmmakers wanted people to see it in a movie theater (for that, the DVD would have to present the movie in a "matted widescreen" format). If you're okay with that, enjoy!
2 Years later, "Parenthood" still speaks volumes
I saw this movie on TV recently and then decided to watch the DVD again, uncut and without interruption. "Parenthood" (1989) is a wonderful movie dealing with LIFE in general. Messages that still speak volumes years later. Married life - showing the good and bad aspects - and then some. You'll laugh at loud at many scenes, and you may cry at others. Travel through the kids birthday parties (Steve Martin is at his best here as "Cowboy Dan"), the kids little league games, family and house management, car trouble, the pressures of work, etc. One family's day-to-day life captured beautifully by director Ron Howard. As much as this is a good movie, the cast is equally impressive. Steve Martin in probably his finest role of the 1980's, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Mary Steenbergen, and youngsters yet to star in a major motion picture - Keanu Reeves and Joaquin Phoenix. Steve Martin has put some nice family oriented movies together on his resume ("Cheaper By The Dozen", "Father Of The Bride", and dare I say "Bringing Down The House"), but "Parenthood" is the best. DVD features: Not much - only some written production notes and actor bios. 124 minutes and full screen format only. Here's to hoping Universal Studios puts out a deluxe edition in wide screen with some worthy bonus features centered around the superb cast. Great film.
3 Stands the test of time
I just watched "Parenthood" again for the umpteenth time, and it still carries an emotional wallop.
The film revolves around several generations of the Buchman family, and though they might, in some other films be considered 'dysfunctional,' in this movie their pitfalls are simply offered as a slice of real life.
The family patriarch is Frank Buchman (Jason Robards). Among his four children are Gil (Steve Martin), a modestly-successful though rather tightly-wound businessman with three children of his own... one of whom is a fragile eight-year-old boy who frequently breaks into hysterics --whether because he dropped a fly-ball and lost a baseball game for the team, or was simply terrified when the house blew a fuse.
Buchman's other son is a complete loser and manipulator named Larry (Tom Hulce), who shows up for a family dinner after (we learn) an absence of some three-plus years. Larry carries some serious baggage, including, but not limited to a gang of mobsters who are quite interested in being paid back for a rather substantial gambling debt.
Buchman's two daughters include Helen (Diane Wiest), whose own daughter played by Martha Plimpton is a high-school girl dating a house painter-cum-drag racer (Keanu Reeves), and whose 12-year-old son Gary (Leaf -now, Joaquin- Phoenix) has withdrawn into himself and his padlocked room. Buchman's other daughter Susan is married to Nathan (Rick Moranis), a PhD of some sort who turns every waking moment and event into an educational opportunity for their four-year-old daughter --a girl who consequently has no capacity to relate to other four-year-olds, but who evidently has memorized the periodic table of elements, and understands words like "pragmatic."
One of the most priceless characters is "Grandma" (apparently, though never actually stated to be Jason Robards' mother). A sweet, and perceptive woman, nothing fazes her... including a scene where a hidden cache of porno flics is discovered. As she's led out of the room by her daughter, we hear her comment: "One of those young men reminded me of your grandfather!"
Grandma's monologue on rollercoasters and merry-go-rounds (and how they are an analogue for life), is one of the best moments in film... not just in THIS film, but one of the best moments in film, period. I have seen the movie easily over a dozen times, and it still slays me every time she starts to speak.
Parenthood is not to be missed.
4 Warm-Hearted Look at the Realities & Comedies of Family.
Personal experience with the changes that children brought to their lives inspired director Ron Howard and writers Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Madel to write this comic take on the challenges of family. Steve Martin plays Gil Buckman, a good-humored husband and father whose dissatisfaction with his own childhood makes him try all the harder to ensure the happiness and success of his own children, as his extended family struggles with their own offspring. Gil, his sisters' families and the elder Buckman's, his parents, try to find the "right" thing to do for their children while dealing with the demands of spouses, life's ill-timed inconveniences, their own aspirations, and each other.
"Parenthood" is a laugh-out-loud look at the perils and rewards of family. Everyone will recognize someone they know in the imperfect children, crazy relatives, and inevitable dysfunctional family member. The film's charm is its familiarity. And it's nice to see characters that don't react to every disappointment by trying to control everyone involved. The cast is wonderful. Gil, the earnest, lovable, and slightly neurotic father, is the perfect role for Steve Martin. In notable supporting roles, Jason Robards is suitably cantankerous as the family patriarch, and Keanu Reeves is affable as a flakey boyfriend. "Parenthood" is funny, realistic, and a great stress-reliever for anyone who has had it up to the gills with family.
The DVD: Bonus features include "Production Notes", which is an essay about the inspiration and creation of the film, and "Cast and Filmmakers", which provides written bios of the director and principal cast. Subtitles are available in Spanish, captioning in English. And dubbing is available in French.
5 A Brilliant Comedy on the Joys and Woes of Family Life
This 1989 comedy directed by Ron Howard and written by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, is one of Steve Martin's crowning achievements. A very sensitive and well written comedy on the ups and downs of family life.
The film follows the lives of two married sisters and their families. Steve Martin and Rick Moranis play their husbands who each face a different crisis in their domestic affairs. Steve Martin is uptight about his childrens' failings and is worried about his ever-shrinking family budget. Rick Moranis plays an even more anal-rententive character who, despite his wife's pleas, doesn't want to have another child for fear that it will diminish his only daughter's phenomenal intellectual growth. Jason Robards plays the grandfather who has his own issues to resolve with his impulsive and reckless son (Tom Hulce: W.A. Mozart from 'Amadeus.')
Again, this is a very well done film which touches upon normally very dramatic or emotional subjects with clever and elegant humor. The film warms the heart and inspires the soul. A great movie to watch over and over again by the entire family.
6 One of the best films on family
It's rare to see a movie that has so much humor and so much heart, that balances comedy so well with drama and also gives us a cast of characters whom we truly care about, perhaps because their struggles are so like our own. The movie deals with parents trying to raise "normal" kids and discovering that oftentimes, the best thing to do is to let go.
Steve Martin especially shines as Gil Buckman, father of three who is trying to be the perfect family man and career man. He has a wry sense of humor but also worries constantly about his kids, especially his older son, who is overly sensitive and has self-esteem issues. Gil's two sisters, Helen and Susan, also have their share of difficulties. Helen's husband divorced her years ago, and she's now raising, on her own, a teenage daughter who is caught up in young love to a man with few future prospects and a teenage son who is troubled and withdrawn. Susan, on the other hand, seems happily married, though her husband's obsessive behavior is getting to her; they have one very young daughter, whom he is trying to turn into a genius by teaching her square roots and Eastern philosophy.
All of this the movie handles with poignancy and hilarity. Parenthood is truly a satisfying film from start to end.
7 Very Good now
When I first saw this movie about 7 years ago I did not like it. I did not get why it was so funny back then and thought it all rather sad.
But I tried and it was worth it! It is sometimes very gripping in what happens in the lives of people, though it is sometimes a little exaggerated, like in an Irving book.
It is also funny. The things that happen in itself are hilarious, and sometimes also there are some funny things interspersed ("Take Grandma away from the Nintendo").
The part of Keanu Reeves is also interesting. He plays a dumb guy like in Bill and Ted's excellent adventure. There is a touching scene where he talks to his wife's mother about her son's masturbation ("That's why little dude's do"). Even though he is the stupidest, he has the best advice.
Tom Hulce is brilliant as the youngest gambler son. The dad, useless in the beginning, now finally realized what he has to do.
It is a funny movie and sometimes touching. One of the better Steve Martin movies.
8 Overpriced, no-frills DVD of a wonderful movie
This is a wonderful, heartwarming film that always manages to make me laugh AND cry....that's why I wanted to own a copy. Unfortunately, the DVD lacks any special features to enhance it (especially frustrating since it's a comparatively expensive one!). How tough would it have been for Ron Howard, Steve Martin or any of the supporting cast to offer a commentary track?
That's why I'd recommend it as a rental only. Dianne Wiest and Helen Shaw deliver exceptional performances...Steve Martin's at his most charming...the child actors are superior and it's one of Mary Steenburgen's best performances.
9 "No widescreen", "NO SALE"!!!!!
This is such a good film that ranks in the top five of Steve Martin films, with such a great supporting cast and a truly original and funny screenplay for them to work with, it just seems a shame that we the consumer had to wait more than a decade for a "Pan-Scan" DVD release of this great family film, I'm sure alot of people would agree with me that it's like watching 1/2 of the original movie. I hope the distributer of this DVD gets copies of all these reviews and then thinks twice about the next movie he "butchers" by releasing it in a "Pan-Scan" format on a DVD because he just lost a lot of sales due to the lack of a widescreen version of this DVD and "I am sad to say I'm one of those lost sales".
10 I'm copying another review as I can't say it any better
What the hell are full screen releases doing by themselves. Even with a small TV I still prefer to watch widescreen. This movie came out in the 90's. Not only is there no reason as to why the Widesceen release is non-existent but there is also no reason why there is not a Dolby 5.1 track available.
When will the studios wake up and realize that more and more people OF EVERY age are buying home theatre systems. WAKE UP!
Here is a copy of a review I agree with:-
It is unacceptable, in 2004, to have any film released on DVD without a widescreen version at least on the other side of the disc. Shameful. This is such a great film. But remember, you're only seeing about 2/3rds of it since the studio chopped off the left and right sides for you.
Totally unacceptable. Please do not buy this disc. Perhaps that will motive the studio to release the film in its original theatrical aspect ratio so we can actually see the whole thing.
11 Love it at any age!
This film came out when I was still in High School. I absolutely loved it then. Now, as a parent, it make's me cry and laugh even harder. My parent's even love it from both parental and grandparent views. It has passed the generation and the evolution of one's self, test. I give it 5 stars for sure!
12 Why screw up such a great movie with a pan/scan DVD?
It is unacceptable, in 2004, to have any film released on DVD without a widescreen version at least on the other side of the disc. Shameful. This is such a great film. But remember, you're only seeing about 2/3rds of it since the studio chopped off the left and right sides for you.
Totally unacceptable. Please do not buy this disc. Perhaps that will motive the studio to release the film in its original theatrical aspect ratio so we can actually see the whole thing.
13 Who couldn't relate?!
Parenthood is a funny, touching film. I'm not a big Steve Martin fan but he does a wonderful job in this movie, capturing the loving family man who finds himself dealing with issues relating to work and family. Actually, all the actors do a great job in portraying their roles.
Even if you are not from a large family you can find something to relate to, since the focus is on the variety of personalities and issues that can come up in anyone's life.
14 Not in "Widescreen?"
This is one of my top twenty movies of all time. It isn't in wide screen format? What were they thinking? I'll never buy it unless they release it in widescreen! A Ron Howard masterwork wasted...
15 Sweet, charming, and quality family humour
Steve Martin has certainly been known to play some off-beat zany characters in his day, but this is a more light-hearted and sensitive role for him. He is a family man surrounded by odd-ball relatives who all seem to be struggling to raise their kids as best they can. Ron Howard is a great comedic director but the various characters really add to the script. It's a great ensemble cast featuring the likes of Jason Robillard, Keanu Reaves, Diane Wiest, and even a young Joaquin Pheonix. My favourite Steve Martin movie of all-time. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, what more can I say?
16 Please, a better DVD for this wonderful movie
I agree with other viewers that "Parenthood" deserves a better DVD version -- with letterbox presentation, special features, commentaries etc... And next time, in the "cast and crew" bonus material, please add Harley Jane Kozak who gave a very nice performance as Susan -- wife of Nathan, Rick Moranis' character. (If you want to see more of Harley Jane Kozak and how good of an actress she can be, watch "The Favor", another wonderful comedy). Some reviewer even mistook her for Martha Plimpton who played Julie (Dianne Wiest's daughter in this movie). Martha herself is a great actress too, don't miss her other films like "200 Cigarettes", "Samantha", and most of all, "Beautiful Girls".
17 Hillarious and Heartwarming
This is one of the funniest comedies you will ever see in your entire life. My favorite part was when Kevin was in the backseat of the car singing the "diarrhea song." The part when the daughter threw up on her father was funny and gross at the same time. But I love this movie nevertheless. Jason Robards plays the grandfather, Steve Martin plays the father, (His best role since THE JERK) Rick Moranis (from LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS) absolutely stole the movie as Nathan. He is so cute and I want so very much to meet him someday.
18 fan
Spotlight reviewer pegged Martha Plimpton as the actress who plays Rick Moranis' wife. She isn't; that's another actress. Martha Plimpton plays Dianne Wiest's daughter, the one who's in love with Keanu Reeves.
19 I Laughed a Lot...
Parenthood in 1989 is one of the most enjoyable movies of all time and probably one of Steve Martin's best. The movie consists of multiple scenarios as seen in Cocoon series also done by Ron Howard. Particularly I like Rick Moranis part, a father who is trying to bring up a brainy kid. The movie has traditional style of twists and dramatic upturns convincing us that our life is as dramatic as Indie Jones series. But some ending parts are so full of overproductions so I sometimes get tired. Ron should have put focus on one or two not four or five. That being said, I love Ron Howard movies in general and look forward to see the next one.
20 Parenthood
A wonderful family movie with laughs abound. The cast did an excellent job in imitating America's dysfunctional families.
Reeves is funny, but then, I enjoy most of his movies. Steve Martin is once again a "top" form. The movie is worth buying simply for its laugh content. I have viewed the movie five times and still enjoy watching it. A future classic for college literary review classes in filmology.
21 A Wonderful Family Masterpiece
I can't express how much Parenthood is a great film. It's a beautifully crafted story with comedy and drama all woven together in a perfect movie gem. The film centers around a large family who are just going through the trials and tribulations of life. Kids, sex, jobs, relationships, divorce. You name it. Steve Martin headlines this film that has an undoubtedly brilliant unsemble cast. Dianne Wiest stands out in a hilarious and yet, very real performance. She has trouble adjusting to son in law Keanu Reeves. She has a few classic scenes that are undeniably funny and brilliant. The legendary Jason Robards is on hand as the family patriarch. He is solid and wonderful. The remaining cast is outstanding: Mary Steenburgen, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Joaquin Phoenix, Tom Hulce. You can't go wrong with any of them. Director Ron Howard is a master at putting this film, with different story arcs, together. This is his best work. Steve Martin also shows at how good he can do dramatic parts. If he is deserving of an Oscar, then he should've been recognized for this. Parenthood is a stylish, clever, funny, and teriffic film on family life. See this movie and you'll feel good in the end.
22 Great all the way 'round: acting, writing, directing
Great ensemble drama/comedy about the modern trials/tribulations of family life. The cast is large, but excellent, so nobody is forced to carry the movie. A mixture of old pros (Steve Martin, Diane Wiest, Jason Robards) and newcomers (Joaquin Phoenix and a perfectly cast Keanu Reeves) Even though I own the video, if I see this movie when I'm channel surfing, I always have to stop and watch at least a part of it. This movie has some great,all time favorite scenes in it. The hilarious birthday party scene where Steve Martin is forced to entertain his son and his friends because a stripper is mistakenly sent to his house instead of a clown. A great scene with Keanu Reeves and Diane Wiest where the Keanu Reeves character is explaning to Diane Wiest what is wrong with her son. Reeve's line "That is one messed up little dude" always cracks me up. I think my favorite scene is the one in which the Jason Robards character is having a serious talk with the Steve Martin character about the nature of parenthood. I'm paraphrasing here, but "You never get to spike the ball in the end zone. As long as you're alive, you are still a father, and your kids are still are your kids." The Jason Robards character says it in a sad way, but it's the truth, isn't it?
23 Parenthood
Parenthood is a fun movie. I love Steve Martin and his performance in Parenthood does not disappoint. I saw this movie for the first time in the theathers when I was in college and walked out thinking- "I'm not EVER having kids!" It may not happen that way but we are free to change our minds and this is a good movie to watch anytime, esp. if you want a laugh or two.
24 Ron Howard's Best Film
GREAT movie. GREAT characters. GREAT writing. GREAT acting. GREAT directing.
Such a shame it's not available in Widescreen (hence only 4 stars from me...)
25 Poor DVD Quality
The DVD version of Parenthood is not out in widescreen. This means the sides of the film have been cut off to fit on your TV. Most DVD versions are now issued in widescreen, but this one is not. Skip it.
26 Perfect
This movie is so great! It adds a certain eliment of comedy, while not taking away from the sentimental stiryline of Parenthood.
27 A movie with comedy and drama successfully mixed in
"Parenthood" stars Steve Martin and Mary Steenburgen as parents of kids that are growing up and going through their growing pains. The parents have to deal with such things as their kids throwing up all over them, sending one of their kids to a psychiatrist, and even deciding whether or not to have another kid. There are also other stars in the movie such as Rick Moranis who have families and are also having their tough times with their own kids.
What makes "Parenthood" a classic comedy movie other than that it's one of Steve Martin's best movies is that it successfully blends comedy with drama both at the same time. Parts of it are hilarious such as when Steve Martin shows up at his son's birthday party pretending to be a cowboy, and there are even some serious and sad parts such as when Steve Martin's dad asks him for advice.
I recommend "Parenthood" to anybody who likes either comedy or drama movies because "Parenthood" is a classic. Whether you have kids or not, you can really enjoy this movie a lot.
28 The mirror of many people's lives
I loved this movie the first time I watched it, as an 18 year old on my own for the first time. I still love it as a father of a two year old. A little heavy on the sentiment in some scenes, but in a movie like this you expect it and go along with it.
29 Parenthood funny, but slow
Director: Ron Howard Cast: Steve Martin,Rick Moranis,Mary Steenburgen and Jason Robards. Ron Howards comedy of Steve Martin trying not to be a cut up as a father is good but slow and skeptical.It was okay
30 Wonderuful Family Film
Parenthood was a wonderful family film that will definitly make you smile. Steve Martin was in his all time best. This film is mixed with humer and the real choices that people have to make in life. This movie has different stories but all the people are related and all of the stories somehow fit together. The acting in this movie could not have been any better. It's just how we would act in these type of situations. Very good storyline, we are basicly just looking in on other peoples lifestyles and learning from them. This is one of the all time best movies of the 80's, buy it today.
31 I Loved This One!
This is an episodic yarn of one family(and I mean all the relatives too! )and the trials and tribulations of raising children.I am single,31 and have no kids so maybe I cannot directly relate, but this is a heartwarming story that left me with lumps in my throat and tears in my eyes. Ensemble acting is wonderful with Jason Robards(who looks like he could be Martin's father in real-life!)as the patriarch commenting that "you never cross the goal line......" The film works on 2 levels. There is some on target comedy(especially in one fantasy sequence)and there are some genuine serious scenes that deal with real life problems. It is a perfect mix that results in one heckuva ride. I shall close by listing the cast because a good cast is worth repeating:Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Diane Wiest, Rick Moranis, Harley Jane Kozak, Jason Robards, Thomas Hulce, Leaf Phoenix,Martha Plimpton,and Dennis Dugan(I probably forgot someone, and Oh yes that is Ronny's bro in little league scene!)
32 Gosh, I LOVE this movie
I jut saw this movie recently with my pals on a rainy afternoon. It was SOOO funny, sweet, and heartwarming. Steve Martin is one of the most hilarious people around. He has the same funny, slightly overbearing father quailties he has in "Father of the Bride." It was cool to see Keanu Reeves in his younger days and he delivers some really funny lines in this film. This movie potrayed a family, with problems, and that's something everyone can relate to.
33 Opie Has Grown Up
This Ron Howard celebration of family proves once and for all, that "Opie" has indeed grown up. As an upper-middle-class father and husband, Steve Martin embodies Thoreau's dictum that "most men lead lives of quiet desperation." Martin transcends the flawless ensemble production, without stealing anyone's thunder. Mary Steenburgen, Jason Robards, Dianne Wiest and a lot of other names, familiar and otherwise, are all perfect.
34 Ron Howard's best and funniest
"Parenthood" boasts of one of the best casts ever assembled. The writing is sharp and witty, the editing perfect, and the acting superb. My favorites are the always amazing Dianne Wiest, who's comedic timing is flawless, a young and lovable Keanu Reeves, and Helen Shaw, who plays "Grandma". This is a comedy that endures because it has a great big heart.
35 Pretty funny dramedy
Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Mary Steenburgen, Diane Weist and many more star in this wonderul dramedy. Shows the true side of being a parent. I saw this movie when I was about nine and I didn't apreciate it at all. But then I saw it again when I was fourteen and I saw how hilarious it was and I could kind of relate to it, not saying that I'm a parent, I'm just saying I could relate to my parents. It's a very great movie. See it!
36 Hey, did you know...?
"Parenthood" was really good. The little kids were so cute, and the jokes were funny. But did you know Howie Dorough from the backstreet boys is in it (he's an extra)? During the classroom scene, he's the boy in the blue shirt sitting in the front row. Next time you see it, watch for him.
37 Did you know?
Okay here's the deal... Mr. Cool Dude Howie Dorough from the Backstreet Boys is in this movie. I bet you movie Buffs never knew that now did you? No I Didn't Think SO! Well...next time you see this movie watch for the kid making funny faces, when Rick Moranis is singing to his wife. Thank you for your precious internet time! ~BYE~
38 Another Ron Howard masterpiece.
Very rarely is there a realistic perspective about the family that comes to the big screen or even the little screen. In years past, TV and cinematic families didn't dare to approach subjects that are broached in "Parenthood," but Ron Howard shows no fear. Sexual maturity, masturbation, teenage pregnancy, alcoholism, gambling addiction, childhood depression, and divorce are only a few issues discussed in this film, and they are approached with a completely sensitive and realistic matter. The humor is never contrived and the realism is never overdramatic. An all-star cast that features Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves and Academy-Award winner Diane Wiest tackles the issues of the extended family with an empathy that exceeds remarkable. Each character is developed to the hilt from Steenburgen's harried housewife to Moranis' obsessive intellectual coddling to Reeves' vacant surfer dude to Robards' crusty, yet emotional, old-codger alcoholic and each character doesn't have to struggle to make themslves believable. You are carried into their lives and you are forced to sympathize with every action. You cheer at Gil's (Martin) son making the winning catch, cry at Helen's (Wiest) son's pain because of his absent father, and laugh at Karen's (Steenburgen) attempts to keep her children normal and sane. "Parenthood" is a powerful comedy-drama that doesn't need to attempt to pull at the heart strings - it just does, with no effort at all.
39 Parenthood
One of my all-time favorite movies. We loved it before we had a child, we loved it after we had a child, we've shared it with friends and relatives. Every time I see it I find something new to laugh about - both in the film and in my own life...
40 Heartwarming Comedy.
Few comedies can balance between humor and drama with much depth and still come out very well done. Ron Howard does an excellent job of taking care of this matter. The story is funny and heartwarming, the acting is great (in terms of a comedy), and the directing is excellent. Ron Howard really excels in this type of film. I can't think of any family oriented comedies that work as well as this one did. This is a must have for any Steve Martin fan and for any film collector.
41 Great movie/Lame DVD
How good is the Movie? I liked it so much I bought the DVD. The characters and situations are realistic and you can really empathize with their shortcomings and problems. You'll fall over laughing at the "Electric Ear Cleaner" scene...
Unfortunately Universal managed to ruin the DVD release of the movie. I've gotten so used to DVDs being letterboxed that I didn't even check only to find that the DVD has ONLY the pan and scan version. Any release of a movie that starts off by throwing away a third of the image is doomed in my opinion. So now I'm stuck with a great movie ruined by some thoughtless movie executive.
If they ever bother to release a widescreen version I'd sell this defective pan and scan piece of trash and buy the GOOD version. If you like the pan and scan format then you can ignore me and enjoy the movie :)
42 The ups and downs of family life!!
Steve Martin is top billed in this film and he is excellent but the rest of the cast is just as good. This movie is actually divided into four separate parts-four different branch offs of the same family (the father, his kids and their families)-that allows this fine ensemble to portray all the ups and downs of family life. It is a film that teaches without without the valleys. And because of it every character comes to stark realizations about themselves and their relationships with other people. All the characters, that is, except the Tom Hulce character. But even that character is correctly written; it just simply isn't the time for him to realize.The interactions between the father (Jason Robards) and his two sons (Hulce and Martin) tell us much about all three characters' past, present and future. Unfortunately there isn't any interaction between the father and the two daughters (Martha Plimpton and Dianne Wiest) but with so many characters to deal with and so many ties to bind, there simply wasn't time. But the time the writers have is well spent indeed. Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel have written a script which takes a very basic idea and expands on it in a realistic and original way. It's no wonder that all the characters are tied together so perfectly in the end.Ron Howard has taken that script and directed these tremendous performers to superlative work. Very seldom have any of them been better. Steve Martin shines in his everyman portrayal of the father of three and the second oldest child of the four earlier mentioned. Not since ROXANNE had he given a performance of such range and depth. His work here ranks among his best ever! Dianne Wiest as his older sister won another Oscar nomination and is just as good as she was in HANNAH AND HER SISTERS. Martha Plimpton as the next oldest child is fine as a mother torn between her high-tech-education-supporter husband (Rick Moranis, his best work since LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS) and her young childhood deprived daughter. Hulce is the youngest of Robards four kids and has the toughest role to play. He wasn't given the one-liners the others have. His character isn't likeable. His father obviously favors him at first which is hard for the rest of the family as well as the audience to understand. But he portrays the character as it should be Robards portrayal of the father is one of his best and he should have received another Oscar nod. Through Robards' father character we see how his kids turned out the way they did. And we see him growing and learning as he finds you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Joaquin Phoenix (River's kid brother, here billed as Leaf, as Wiest's youngest) and Helen Shaw as Grandma, the matriarch of the family are also excellent. Keanu Reeves (Wiest's son-in-law) and Mary Steenburgen (Martin's wife) round out the cast beautifully. Randy Newman's score is perfect and the Oscar nominated song "I Love to See You Smile" is very infectious.Pulling everything together for a production of this kind is not an easy task. When you couple that with the fact that in this movie, comedy and drama are blended together seamlessly, Howard and his cast and crew have created a true treasure. Being a perfect parent is not easy. Being a perfect person is impossible. If you are anything less, see this movie!
43 Will have you alternately laughing and crying!
Steve Martin is top billed in this film and he is excellent but the rest of the cast is just as good. This movie is actually divided into four separate parts-four different branch off's of the same family (the father, his kids and their families)-that allows this fine ensemble to portray all the ups and downs of family life. It is a film that teaches without preaching and it's lesson is clearly understood: in life, you can't have the peaks without the valleys. And because of it every character comes to stark realizations about themselves and their relationships with other people. All the characters, that is, except the one played by Tom Hulce. But even that character is correctly written; it just simply isn't the right time for him to realize.The interactions between the father (Jason Robards) and his two sons (Hulce and Martin) tell us much about all three characters' past, present and future. Unfortunately there isn't any interaction between the father and the two daughters, played by Martha Plimpton and Dianne Wiest, but with so many characters to deal with and so many ties to bind, there simply wasn't time. But the time the writers have is well spent indeed. Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel have taken a very basic idea and expanded on it in a realistic and original way. It's no wonder that all the characters are tied together so perfectly in the end.Ron Howard has taken that script and directed these tremendous performers to superlative work. Very seldom have any of them been better. Martin shines in an everyman IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE portrayal of the father of three and the second oldest child of the four earlier mentioned. Not since ROXANNE had he given a performance of such range and depth. Dianne Wiest as his older sister won another Oscar nomination and is just as good as she was in HANNAH AND HER SISTERS. Martha Plimpton as the next oldest child is fine as a mother torn between her high-tech-education-supporter-husband (Moranis, his best work since LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS) and her young childhood deprived daughter. Tom Hulce is the youngest of Jason Robards' four kids and has the toughest role to play. He wasn't given the one-liners the others have. His character isn't likeable. His father obviously favors him at first, which is hard for the rest of the family as well as the audience to understand. But he portrays the character as it should be played-a wanderer with unstoppable dreams who is also to be pitied. Robards' portrayal of the father is one of his best and should have garnered him another Oscar nomination. Through Robards' father character we see how his kids turned out the way they did. And we see him growing and learning as he finds you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Joaquin Phoenix, here billed as Leaf (River's kid brother as Wiest's youngest) and Helen Shaw as Grandma, the matriarch of the family are also excellent. Keanu Reeves (Wiest's son-in-law) and Mary Steenburgen (Martin's wife) round out the cast beautifully. Randy Newman's score is perfect and the song "I Love to See You Smile" is very infectious.Pulling everything together for a production is not an easy thing. When you couple that with the fact that in this movie, comedy and drama are blended together seemlessly, Howard and his cast and crew have created a true treasure. Being a perfect parent is not easy. Being a perfect person is impossible. If you are anything less, see this movie.
44 Okay, but to . . . . . . . . sexual.
I thought that this movie had a very good ending, but there were too many revealing scenes (like the son's movies, or when Steve Martin and his wife are in the car). It's sort of funny, and sweet, but to much sex.
45 One of the few movies to show what families are like
Ron Howard's comedy is one of the few famly movies that can actually depict what families are actually like. From the dinner table scene to the hospital waiting room, this is a true masterpiece.
46 A Worthwhile Film
While not a perfect movie (what is?), this film has many merits, including a wonderful cast (Steve Martin doesn't get any better; Jason Robards is remarkably convincing) and an entertaining, multi-faceted plot. This is, in essense, a collection of individual stories, woven together to create a portrait of a family struggling to remain healthy and in-tact. The plot is complex but understandable. This is a good, honest movie, and great entertainment.
47 A "family" MUST SEE!
This is truely a movie for anyone. Everytime I watch it I pick up on something new. The struggles and almost disasters endured by this family are fun to watch. Though the movie doesn't spend much time on the family solving their problems, I think it carefully brings light to the fact that they are problems we all have to tackle and overome. It all comes full circle in the final scene that shows how close the family had remained.
48 Somehow manages to be both superificial and pretentious.
Every moment of Parenthood rings false. Neither Lowell Ganz nor Babaloo Mandel is a very good screenwriter; together, they are usually appalling, and never more so than here. The movie pretends to "cover" a wealth of parenting difficulties and fails to treat any of them in any but the most superificial, predictable ways. Ron Howard's direction is consistently inept; time after time he fails to find the emotional heart of a scene. A fine movie could have been made with this much acting talent, but not in the hands of these writers and this director.
49 Steve Martin and Ron Howard......What a team !!!!
For anyone that has children, this movie is a must. To be able to sit back and watch the world in which these people live, as far fetched as it can sometimes be and know in the back of your mind that you can relate to at least 99% of it. Steve Martin is brilliant for two reasons. One, his physical appearance fits so well in this type of role. Secondly, his comic timing is perfect, while making you believe that this could be a real family in crisis. The best performance comes from Jason Robards, whose acting experience certainly pulls all the characters together. If you have children then this movie is a must. You WILL watch it again and again. Money well spent, trust me.
50 This movie puts the FUN in dysfunctional
This movie it humerous, realistic, and touching. The paths of the families in this movie is interesting and poingnant. Also, the jokes are funny and you will enjoy this oldie but goodie.
51 underrated classic
parenthood is one of the best true-to-life films every made. the characters are rich and believable, there is humor and drama all woven into this beautiful story about this family and extended family. steve martin's best film
52 This is a terrific movie.
This is a terrific movie. If you haven't seen it, it is a sure fire hit for a cozy night at home with your honey. It's the type of film both men and women truly enjoy. It will make you laugh, cry, and experience every emotion possible in less than 2 hours. Steve Martin is at his best in this one.
53 heart-warming, funny and all-around pick-me-up
Parenthood is a great film. The performances by Jason Robards, Tom Hulce, Dianne Wiest, Keanu Reeves, Steve Martin are really inspired - Rick Moranus, too. Such beautiful portrayals of the pain and laughter that go along with just living day-to-day. It's sweet without being stupid or trite. It's a film to watch as a pick-me-up. I've never known it to fail.
