Parenthood (1989)

The Buckman family is a midwestern family all dealing with their lives: estranged relatives, raising children, pressures of the job, and learning to be a good parent and spouse.

Director:

Ron Howard

Writers:

Lowell Ganz (story), Babaloo Mandel (story),

Stars:

Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Steve Martin	...	Gil Buckman
Mary Steenburgen	...	Karen Buckman
Dianne Wiest	...	Helen Buckman
Jason Robards	...	Frank Buckman
Rick Moranis	...	Nathan Huffner
Tom Hulce	...	Larry Buckman
Martha Plimpton	...	Julie Buckman
Keanu Reeves	...	Tod Higgins
Harley Jane Kozak	...	Susan Buckman (as Harley Kozak)
Dennis Dugan	...	David Brodsky
Joaquin Phoenix	...	Garry Buckman-Lampkin (as Leaf Phoenix)
Eileen Ryan	...	Marilyn Buckman
Helen Shaw	...	Grandma
Jasen Fisher	...	Kevin Buckman
Paul Linke	...	George Bowman

Storyline

The story of the Buckman family and friends, attempting to bring up their children. They suffer/enjoy all the events that occur: estranged relatives, the "black sheep" of the family, the eccentrics, the skeletons in the closet, and the rebellious teenagers.

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Plot Keywords:

children | baseball game | cupcake | hiding place | principal's office | 

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Taglines:

The director of "Splash," "Willow" and "Cocoon" brings you a comedy about life, love and the gentle art of raising children.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 August 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Todo en la familia

Filming Locations:

Gainesville, Florida, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$100,050,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Ron Howard in an interview with "The Directors", the scene where Helen discovers the nude pictures, was actually an incident that happened to producer Brian Grazer.

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Goofs

At the school play, Taylor shakes off her ears and hat. In the next shot, she has her hat on again.

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Quotes

Helen: Open this door! Goddamnit! I was just like a little respect! Not alot, just a little! Do you know why I'm having sex with machinery? Because your father went to have a party and I stayed to raise two kids, and I HAVE NO LIFE!

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Crazy Credits

Harley Jane Kozak is billed as Harley Kozak. Harley Jane Kozak went on to become an award-winning mystery author for her "Dating Dead Men" series.

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Connections

Referenced in ER: Parenthood (2006)

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Soundtracks

"I Love To See You Smile"
Written and Performed by Randy Newman
Produced by Lenny Waronker
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records

User Reviews

A Sweet, warm-hearted, and subtle comedy

One of the things I like about this movie is its...lack of obnoxiousness. Other comedies throw their scenes in your face with little tact and no subtlety, but not so with this movie. Not to say that it isn't funny. It's absolutely hilarious! But the main thing that appeals to me about Parenthood is the warm heart that is at the center of it all. These characters have nuanced, complicated, and not overly dramatic problems. Just like REAL PEOPLE, and unlike many of the one-faceted characters seen in movies today.

And what better actor to play Gil than Steve Martin? A comedic genius, Martin is capable of playing anything from slimy to sincere, conforming perfectly to his role, and it helps that he's not a cynic. Also watch for great appearances by Tom Hulce, perhaps best known as Amadeus (poor guy, where'd his career go?) and a very young Joaquin Phoenix as Gary.

All in all, a very funny and very sweet comedy that I will give a 9/10!!