Parenthood

This is a fabulous look at the idea of parenting. It looks at three different generations, and focuses on the way that parenting of any kind takes place, and how it never ends. Gill (Steve Martin, Leap of Faith) is the principle character. He has three kids, and they are all exactly what he doesn’t want them to be: almost as screwed up as him. 

His dad, Jack (Jason Robards, Once Upon a Time in the West) is obsessed with his retirement coach, a cherry rolls Royce. When Mikey, Gills kid brother, shows up with 30,000$ gambling debts, it is an issue of how much you care for a child, and how much you discipline and correct them, when they’re grown.

Meanwhile, Gill’s sisters, Carol and the other one are both troubled, one is being smothered by her husbands persistant plans, while the other is divorced and never sees the Father of her children, as they near adulthood. He daughter is even getting married and expecting, while still in highschool.

Gill’s family takes center stage, as he sorts out little league, orthodontics, his job situation, and relating to his wife. Keanu Reeves (Speed) has a supportgin role, and he speaks of the nature of the beast in saying “You need a license to drive a car, to own a dog, but they’ll let any idiot become a father.” Parenting is challenging, and it’s easy for kids to become tense, scared, and make all sotrs of strange decisions.

It’s a very lighthearted approach to a very challenging and powerful concept. 2.