Parenthood (1989)
Synopsis:
The Buckman family navigates the joys and challenges of raising children across multiple generations. Gil and Karen Buckman work to balance their kids' needs while dealing with their own parental anxieties. Helen, a single mother, struggles with her teenage daughter Julie's relationship with her boyfriend Tod. Meanwhile, Nathan takes an unconventional approach to parenting that contrasts sharply with his relatives' methods. The family patriarch Frank attempts to hold everyone together while dealing with the return of his estranged son Larry, the family's black sheep. Through birthday parties, school troubles, relationship drama, and unexpected surprises, the extended Buckman clan discovers that raising children means embracing both the chaotic and heartwarming moments that come with family life. Their interconnected stories reveal the universal struggles and triumphs of parenthood.
Where To Watch: Parenthood
Parental Feedback
Parenthood blends comedy and drama to explore the everyday challenges and joys of raising children across multiple generations of one extended family. Parents should expect a mix of lighthearted humor and genuinely emotional moments that tackle real parenting struggles, from rebellious teenagers to financial pressures and family dysfunction. The pacing moves between comedic set pieces and heartfelt conversations, creating a tone that is both entertaining and reflective, with themes of family connection, personal growth, and the messy reality of trying to be a good parent.
Why Kids Should Watch Parenthood
This story offers valuable perspectives on family dynamics that can help children understand their own household experiences.
The ensemble cast, including Steve Martin and Mary Steenburgen, brings warmth and authenticity to their portrayals of parents navigating the ups and downs of family life. Young viewers can see themselves reflected in the children on screen and gain insight into why parents make certain decisions.
The comedic elements make potentially heavy topics more accessible and entertaining for family viewing. Director Ron Howard balances humor with genuine emotion, ensuring that the story never becomes preachy or overly serious.
The multi-generational approach shows that everyone in a family faces challenges and makes mistakes. This perspective can help children develop empathy for their parents and siblings while recognizing that imperfection is normal.
The film celebrates the importance of family connection and perseverance through difficult times. Children can learn that love and commitment matter more than getting everything right.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Parenthood
Some elements may be challenging for younger or more sensitive viewers to process.
The story includes rebellious teenagers and family conflicts that might be intense for children who are not yet ready to see parents portrayed as flawed or struggling. Some of the family dysfunction depicted could be unsettling without proper context.
Certain themes involving estranged relatives and the "black sheep" of the family touch on adult issues that younger children may not fully understand. The complexity of the various storylines requires a level of maturity to follow and appreciate.
The emotional depth of some scenes, particularly those dealing with parental anxiety and disappointment, might be confusing for kids who expect purely lighthearted entertainment. The PG-13 rating reflects content that may not be suitable for all ages.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Parenthood earns approval for families with older children and teens who can appreciate its honest, heartfelt exploration of what it means to raise and be raised in an imperfect but loving family.
What Parents Should Know About Parenthood
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the Buckman family members demonstrate perseverance, forgiveness, and commitment to one another despite their many flaws and mistakes. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the story includes scenes of parental stress, family arguments, and emotional vulnerability that may require discussion with younger viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters face realistic consequences for their choices, though the focus is more on growth and reconciliation than punishment. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, family members learn to communicate better, support one another, and work through conflicts together throughout the story. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the central message is that family love endures through imperfection and that the challenges of parenthood are universal and worth embracing. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate the honest and relatable portrayal of family life presented in this story, noting that it captures both the frustrations and rewards of raising children. Many find the blend of comedy and drama effective for sparking conversations with their own kids about family expectations and the reality that no parent or child is perfect. The ensemble cast and Ron Howard's direction receive praise for creating authentic characters that families can relate to, though some parents caution that the PG-13 rating is appropriate given the mature themes and occasional intensity of family conflicts depicted throughout the narrative.
Official Parenthood Trailer
Why Kids Love Parenthood
Kids love watching the Buckman family stumble through one hilarious disaster after another. Gil Buckman tries his best to keep everything under control, but chaos always finds a way to break loose in the most unexpected moments. The family's everyday mishaps turn ordinary situations into laugh-out-loud comedy.
The awkward situations pile up as different family members clash and create mayhem. Tod Higgins and Julie's relationship adds teenage drama that spins into funny complications, while Larry Buckman's wild unpredictability keeps everyone on their toes. Each character brings their own brand of chaos to the mix.
The movie delivers wild rollercoaster moments that mirror the ups and downs of family life. Just when things seem settled, another prank or mishap sends the Buckmans spiraling into fresh comedy. Nathan Huffner's overly serious approach to parenting creates silly contrasts with the rest of the family's looser style.
Young viewers connect with the funny characters who feel real despite their exaggerated problems. Helen Buckman and Karen Buckman navigate their own parenting challenges while Frank Buckman tries to hold his sprawling family together. The bonds between family members shine through even when everything falls apart in the funniest ways possible.