Parenthood (1989)

Plan: Following the lives of three generations of Buckmans: Gil (Steven Martin) is married to Karen (Mary Steenburgen). Their eldest child, Kevin (Jasen Fisher) has “emotional problems”. Helen (Dianne Weist) is a single mom raising two children, one of whom, Garry (Joaquin Phoenix) never opens his door or his mouth. Susan (Harley Jane Kozak) and her husband, Nathan (Rick Moranis) are trying to raise a genius. Poor Patty (Ivyann Schwan). Finally, Larry (Tom Hulce) returns home after a three year absence with a three year old, Cool (Alex Burrall), in tow.

That doesn’t even begin to explain how complex the network of family life can be or is in this movie. I’d draw you a family tree, but I don’t want to be bothered.

Honestly, I didn’t know Ron Howard (director) had such a deft ability for comedy outside of acting. I usually associate him with the kinds of movies he makes now, like A Beautiful Mind and The Missing. However, surprised by his sense of whimsy, I checked out his filmography. Turns out he also directed Splash and Cocoon. So, in case it comes up, Ron Howard is the coolest.

As for Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, they’ve written everything together since they first worked on Happy Days, which is probably why Howard directs many of their movies. In all honesty, they are pretty darn funny and can be quite poignant at times as well.

So, um, yeah, the cast. How about instead I just give you some general conclusions that were drawn from the viewing? Okay? Okay.
1. Martin is ageless. I think his hair might be a little more silver, but he hasn’t really aged in about 15 years.
2. Weist plays the best single moms ever. She always goes all out to make her kids happy.
3. Phoenix used to be credited as Leaf, not Joaquin. Who knew?
4. Moranis needs to make more movies now-a-days. He’s great.
5. Burrall is a great little kid. So is the kid who plays Justin.

There ya have it. Actually, the best lines in the movie were spoken by people I haven’t even mentioned yet. Jason Robards plays the patriarch of this sprawling family, Keanu Reeves, as a disapproved-of boyfriend, dispenses advice to Weist, and Grandma (Helen Shaw) is the wisest of all.