Nothing more than sitcom material stretched to two hours.
Comment
02/02/09
Parenthood (1989)
92
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:38
Fresh:35
Rotten:3
Average Rating:7.2/10
Runtime: 2 hrs 4 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: The trials and tribulations of middle-class family life are depicted in director Ron Howard's humorous and loving ode to the joys of parenthood. Middle-manager Gil Buckman struggles to reconcile... [More]
Starring: Steve Martin, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Rick Moranis
Director: Ron Howard
Reviews for Parenthood
Top CriticSteve Martin's manically over-conscientious dad steals the film, whether chewing the pitch as his small son fumbles at baseball, or entertaining a kids' party as an unconvincing cowboy.
06/24/06
Top CriticDirector Ron Howard combines this multi-generational suburban soap almost effortlessly, considering the number of parents or would be parents we're expected to care about.
04/17/01
Top CriticHoward juggles all the characters effortlessly, showcasing troubles left and right without losing the film to gloom. It's nimble work, blessed with a cast that knows exactly what they're reaching for in their performances.
08/26/09
There is something brave and original about piling up most of our worst parental nightmares in one movie and then daring to make a midsummer comedy out of them. It really shouldn't work, but it does.
02/02/09
Top CriticWhile Parenthood crosses the border into schmaltz a number of times, the movie runs the gamut of realistic emotions, and one scene or another is bound to hit home with the parents who see the film.
02/02/09
Top CriticAn ambitious, keenly observed, and often very funny look at one of life's most daunting passages...
02/02/09
Top CriticFunny, even perceptive, adult/family comedy.
05/25/07
Parenthood is a middlebrow masterpiece. Not a masterpiece of middlebrow but a middlebrow masterpiece, with the latter word being the subject, not the modifier.
04/29/07
No review available.
10/26/05
No review available.
09/21/05
No review available.
07/18/05
No review available.
01/12/05
One of Ron Howard's best with a great cast.
01/08/05
Ron Howard's pithy and poignant look at domestic disillusionment...a pure joy to behold!
06/23/04
No review available.
08/12/03
Even being the most sensitive parent, the film reminds us, has its limits. No matter how hard you try, you can't live your children's lives for them.
05/20/03
Top CriticOne-dimensional characters and 1st grade humor combine to make a self-important film that takes itself seriously. Horrible.
03/02/03
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