Parenthood (1989)

Parenthood is special because it treats family life the way it actually feels: messy, hilarious, exhausting, and unexpectedly tender, sometimes all in the same scene. Ron Howard guides a terrific ensemble with a light touch, letting the comedy land without denying the little aches underneath, and the result is a film that feels smart and wise rather than preachy. Steve Martin brings his trademark charm and nerves, while Dianne Wiest grounds the story with a warmth that sneaks up on you, making the Buckmans’ everyday crises feel both specific and universally recognizable. If you prefer your comedies broad and tidy, this may feel too close to home, but if you want something funny and resonant that leaves you feeling understood, it’s a genuine crowd-pleaser.

Parenthood is clearly aiming for a big, messy, honest snapshot of family life—funny one minute, quietly bruising the next—and when it lands, it feels warmly recognizable. The problem is it tries to juggle so many characters and mini-crises that a few storylines end up feeling like sketches rather than satisfying arcs, and the wrap-up can come off a bit tidy for something this chaotic. The humor also swings into raunchy, occasionally vulgar territory, which can feel more distracting than daring if you’re not in the mood for it. If you want a focused, tightly structured dramedy, this may frustrate you, but if you enjoy ensemble films with strong performances and a “life is a circus” vibe, it’s still an easy watch.