"Parenthood" Review

"Parenthood" Review

8/10

1989
A Ron Howard Film
Protagonist(s): Steve Martin, Dianne Wiest, Mary Steenburgen, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Keanu Reeves, Helen Shaw
Run-time: 2 hours 4 minutes

Being a parent is a delicate balancing act between being strict, entertaining, compassionate and educational. And not everyone is fit for the job.

There are two great quotes in this film:

"You know, Mrs. Buckman, you need a license to buy a dog, to drive a car - hell, you even need a license to catch a fish. But they'll let any butt-reaming asshole be a father."

"You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster. Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride! I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited and so thrilled all at once! Some didn't like it. They went on the Merry-go-Round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it."

Both quotes are excellent.

One comments on the foolish notion that one needs a license to do mundane tasks such as getting a pet or hunting for food, yet decisions which have potentially massive consequences such as bringing a new life into the world require no training or responsibility whatsoever.

The other comments on how much more thrilling life is with its ups and downs and twists, even though most would prefer to have a predictable path set before them.

As a parent you need to prepare your children for a life outside your influence, while also seeing to their happiness. Some people give up at the first sign of trouble, and run away, retreat to start anew; they are not deserving of the title of Parent. Some heap too much onto their child, trying to recreate their own childhood through their children and not make the same mistakes as perceived by them, but ultimately end up making entirely new mistakes. A middle ground may not be ideal, but will at least afford some stability.

The acting talent is excellent. The plot is good, and would make for an excellent three or four seasons in a Soap Opera. The effects are good, what few there are. The comedy is relatively innocent even if it touches on sexual themes.

I recommend this film for any prospective parent.