Nothing in Common (1986)

Nothing in Common is one of those quietly winning films that sneaks up on you: a funny, humane comedy-drama that understands how family can upend even the slickest, most controlled life. Tom Hanks brings an easy charm that gradually deepens into something more vulnerable, and Jackie Gleason is terrific as a father who’s prickly, proud, and far more complicated than he first appears, giving the movie its bruised heart. The tone walks a smart line between laugh-out-loud moments and the kind of emotional truth that lingers, never feeling manipulative, just recognizably lived-in. If you’re looking for nonstop jokes or soap-operatic fireworks, it may feel modest—but if you want an entertaining, compelling story about growing up when your parents fall apart, it’s absolutely worth your time.

Nothing in Common is clearly aiming for a grown-up, bittersweet look at midlife chaos: a slick, successful guy forced to deal with his parents’ messy breakup and his own emotional growing pains. The problem is it can’t quite decide what it wants to be, bouncing between breezy comedy and earnest family drama in a way that feels uneven rather than layered. As it moves into the back half, the sentiment can get a bit heavy-handed, and the shift in tone may come off sloppy if you’re hoping for a tighter balance. Still, there are solid performances and a relatable core, so it’s worth a look if you’re patient with tonal whiplash and want a heartfelt, imperfect family story more than a consistently funny rom-com.