Review of Parenthood (1989) by Eric A — 19 Dec 2010

For what appears to be a light ensemble comedy, "Parenthood" deals with a lot of Big Issues - abortion, divorce, estrangement, emotional disorders, and Tom Hulce's mullet. It's a credit to the cast, director, and editor that the film can quickly shift from opposite ends of the comedy-drama spectrum without breaking down.

However, the ending is far too gooey, complete with the adorable senior citizen who serves mainly as a punchline before delivering the Important Thematic Point. Yes, "Parenthood" is the type of film that leans on proper noun-ed conventions of melodrama.

It'll work for anyone with complicated feelings towards their blood relatives (i.e. everybody), but when you're aiming at the broadest targets available it's kinda hard to miss the mark.