Watch Parenthood

Parenthood is a 1989 American comedy-drama film directed by Ron Howard and written by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel. The movie explores the highs and lows of being a parent through the experiences of four siblings: Gil (Steve Martin), Helen (Dianne Wiest), Larry (Tom Hulce), and Susan (Harley Jane Kozak). Gil Buckman is a sales executive who is struggling to balance his career with his responsibilities as a father to three young children. He starts to question his parenting skills when his son Kevin (Jasen Fisher) starts to act out in school. Meanwhile, his daughter Taylor (Alisan Porter) is having trouble adjusting to her new school because of her speech impediment.

Helen is Gil's sister who is a single mother to two children, Garry (Joaquin Phoenix) and Julie (Martha Plimpton). Garry is a moody teenager who is dealing with the stress of being a high school student, while Julie is a rebellious teenager who is constantly butting heads with her mother.

Larry is the black sheep of the family who has just become a father to a young son. He struggles to provide for his family and often relies on his wealthy father (Jason Robards) for financial support. Susan is Gil's other sister who is married to Nathan (Rick Moranis), a strict and controlling man who wants everything in their lives to be perfect.

Throughout the movie, the Buckmans navigate the challenges of parenthood while trying to keep their family together. They deal with issues like divorce, infertility, rebellion, and emotional distance. However, they also experience the joys of parenting, such as watching their children succeed and being there for each other during difficult times.

One of the standout performances in the movie is by Steve Martin, who brings both humor and heart to Gil Buckman. He perfectly captures the struggles of a working parent who wants to be there for his children but also wants to provide for them. Dianne Wiest also shines as Helen, a mother who is doing her best to raise her children on her own. The chemistry between the actors is excellent, and their interactions feel authentic and real.

The movie is filled with heartwarming moments, such as when Gil helps Taylor overcome her speech impediment or when Helen bonds with Garry over a camping trip. However, it also has its fair share of humor, particularly in scenes involving Larry's parenting skills. The film strikes a perfect balance between comedy and drama, making it a relatable and entertaining movie for all ages.

Overall, Parenthood is a classic movie that explores the ups and downs of parenting in a way that is both heartwarming and funny. The performances by the talented cast, the witty script, and the relatable storyline all combine to make it a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the joys of family.