Parenthood (Special Edition)
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Actor: Dennis Dugan, Dianne Wiest, Mary Steenburgen, Paul Linke, Steve MartinBrand: NBC Universal
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0; French (Original Language); French (Dubbed)
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 124 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-04-24
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Studios
DVD Reviews of Parenthood (Special Edition)
DVD Review: A superb cast elevates this rather heavy handed vehicle...
Summary: 3 Stars
Ron Howard is the undisputed king of schmaltz; I mean, seriously, does he do anything other than feel good heart tuggers? `Parenthood' was one of his earlier successes, and its easy to see why it was so well loved. You have a group of very talented actors weaving together a touching story about family and love and togetherness and it's presented with a shiny red bow that will make your eyes glisten with anticipation.
Yes, this movie is very likable.
You have Gil, who was never really loved by his father, who is trying to wrap his head around the concept that his son may need psychological counseling. His sister Helen is raising her two children on her own and is having quite a bit of trouble with her boy crazy teenage daughter and her reclusive pre-teen son. Their sister Susan is married to a man who is so controlling and precise that its driving her crazy, not to mention stunting their young daughters ability to interact with children her own age. Then you have their `black sheep' younger brother Larry who just showed up back in town with an illegitimate child he just found out he had and a gambling debt that is through the roof. Despite their very different circumstances, each sibling is just trying to be the best parent they can be (well, maybe not Larry, but his story has another arc).
The good things about this movie lie within the wonderfully charming performances by the entire cast, Wiest and Martin shining as beacons amidst a cast of very talented actors. As Gil, Steve Martin is wonderfully sincere, playing the `real' father with such believability, not to mention likeability. He makes such a nice dad, you just want to wrap your arms around him and tell him he's doing a good job. Dianne Wiest is marvelous as single parent Helen, weaving masterfully in and out of emotional outbursts and emotional breakdowns. She is so wonderfully charismatic and comedic gold, I seriously think she may be the greatest supporting actress working today. Rick Moranis has a nice turn here as the controlling Nathan, and Jason Robards is marvelous as the family patriarch Frank, who slowly is learning himself how to be a father. I was also very impressed with young Joaquin Phoenix (here going by the name Leaf) who plays Helen's young son Garry.
The entire cast is wonderful here though, everyone from Tom Hulce to Mary Steenburgen to Harley Jane Kozak; even Keanu Reeves turns in a decently comedic performance as the boneheaded, yet deep hearted Tod.
The film falls short in some other areas though, areas that may not be so noticeable right off the bat. The film is very heavy handed (Howard's specialty), and while I've always said that if anyone can pull off heavy handed it is Ron Howard, I must admit that sometimes he can lather it on too much. In recent years he has perfected his heavy hand, so that he can serve us syrup that goes down like water (just watch `Cinderella Man' and tell me it isn't easy to swallow despite the fact that it is emotional gravy) but `Parenthood' is not a recent effort and so it lacks the technique that Howard has perfected over the years. There is just so much `drama' going on in one family that it comes off rather forced at times, especially when you take a second to breath it all in. Another issue I had was the fact that the film reaches its crescendo of `drama' and then jumps ahead to a happy ending without ever really explaining how they got there. You know that they are trying and you know basically what they are planning to do to fix things, but they never show this take place. They bring you to the breaking point and then flash forward to the solution. I've seen this done in other films and it's always a slight disappointment.
These few issues shouldn't keep you away from this film, but they do hold the film back from really being everything it could have been. See the movie for its charm and for the dynamic performance by Martin and Wiest (so glad she was Oscar nominated for this) but don't expect a film to break the mold here. It is bedded down by clichés and oppressed by the weight of Howard's directorial hand, but its good, clean fun that is sure to entertain none-the-less.
Description of Parenthood (Special Edition)
Relive all the heart-warming moments of the unforgettable film that explores life's most rewarding occupation in Parenthood. Steve Martin stars as Gil Martin, a funny and loving husband who's also trying too hard to be the "perfect" parent to his uniquely different kids. Rick Moranis, Keanu Reeves, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen and Dianne Wiest also star in this family affair you'll want to watch again and again! Starring: Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Keanu Reeves, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Martha Plimpton, Tom Hulce, Joaquin Phoenix Directed by: Ron HowardBestsellers in DVD
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