Sunday, April 28, 2013

Parental Guidance

Watched It - April 26, 2013

Stars - Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei
Director - Andy Frickman
Rating - PG

In 20 Words or Less - Grandma and Grandpa have to learn "new school" parenting while staying with their grandkids for a week.
Themes - Parenting, self-esteem, growing up, family unity, dealing with change and challenges
Pros - Billy Crystal and Bette Midler (neither of whom I have seen on screen in a while) are just good, classy actors who bring something intangible but enjoyable to a film that is otherwise pretty run-of-the-mill.  I did appreciate the way the story incorporated some depth (not much) by allowing several of the characters to face the issues of self-doubt and the search for significance.
Cons - As I said, there is nothing particularly earth-shattering here.  We are presented with the typical slapstick comedy, adult-belittling, and predictable plot that normally comes with a film of this stripe, although I do have to say I was pleased that Mr. Frickman didn't feel the need to push the gross factor or level of inappropriateness very far at all.  He kept the movie in safe territory overall.
Movie Moment - When Billy Crystal's grandson impersonates the baseball commentator from a famous game in the 1950's.  It's cheesy, but it gave me goosebumps.
Genuineness - 5 out of 10

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