It Runs in the Family (2003)

It Runs in the Family has the rare, almost disarming pleasure of watching real-life history ripple through fiction: Kirk and Michael Douglas spar and soften with a lived-in intimacy that no amount of acting class can counterfeit. Fred Schepisi keeps the tone gently funny but grounded, letting the humor arise from recognizable family habits while the drama lands with quiet, unsentimental force. The screenplay is wonderfully economical, full of New York texture and sharp, idiomatic detail, trusting small moments—an awkward silence, a too-honest remark—to do the heavy lifting instead of big speeches. It’s not for viewers craving neat resolutions or broad sitcom antics, but if you like character-driven comedy-dramas that feel honest about love, regret, and the stubborn ways families try to reconnect, it’s a rewarding watch.

It Runs in the Family is clearly aiming for a warm, semi-autobiographical slice of New York family life—messy relationships, generational baggage, and a little humor to soften the blows. The problem is it often feels like it’s circling its themes rather than landing them, with a drifting pace and a tone that can’t decide if it wants to be a cozy comedy or a serious drama. Despite a stacked cast (and the novelty of seeing Michael and Kirk Douglas together), the film can come off oddly lightweight, like a TV movie dressed up for theaters, with conflicts that tease depth but don’t quite earn it. If you like low-stakes family talkathons and gentle, episodic storytelling you may find it pleasant enough, but if you’re looking for sharp insight, real bite, or a clear emotional payoff, this probably isn’t your best use of an evening.