Parenthood (1989)

The Buckmans are 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 & 12 nominations.

Cast

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

vomiting | dysfunctional family | cake | horse riding | happiness | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Howie Dorough, from the Backstreet Boys, was a teenage extra in this movie. He is in the first row of students in the classroom when Nathan comes in and sings The Carpenters' "Close To You" to Susan.

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Goofs

Another sign that the movie was shot in Florida rather than Missouri where it's meant to be set: the booth where Julie and Tod pick up the pictures is in front of a Publix, a grocery store found ONLY in Florida until 1991. The first Publix outside Florida opened in Savannah, Georgia, in 1991.

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Quotes

Karen: He likes to butt things... with his head.
Nathan: How proud you must be.

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Crazy Credits

At the end of the credits: "Caution: Inhaling of helium from balloons is dangerous, and can cause serious injury or death."

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Connections

References Back to the Future (1985)

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Soundtracks

The Diarrhea Song
Performed by Jasen Fisher

User Reviews

The OG Modern Family

30th Anniversary: 1989 - the Best Year in Cinema Marathon Film #55/100: "Parenthood" (2nd Viewing.) I can see why this spawned a successful TV series, though not really interested in seeing any more. This movie was just fine. I found myself laughing out loud more than about a dozen times. I worried about the runtime up front - over 2 hours, but it never felt long and I definitely got involved with this family. Really enjoyed this touching family drama/comedy.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

2 August 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Parenthood

Filming Locations:

Tinker Field - 287 S. Tampa Ave., Orlando, Florida, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,506,450, 6 August 1989

Gross USA:

$100,047,830

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$126,297,830

Company Credits

Production Co:

Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1