Watch It Runs in the Family
- PG-13
- 2003
- 1 hr 49 min
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5.5 (5,208)
It Runs in the Family is a heartwarming family drama released in 2003, directed by Fred Schepisi. The movie features an all-star cast including Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas, Bernadette Peters, and Cameron Douglas, who are all part of the same real-life family, making this a true family affair. The film takes place in New York City and revolves around the Gromberg family, a wealthy and successful Jewish family. Head of the family, Mitchell Gromberg (Kirk Douglas), is a retired lawyer who is trying to hold his family together. His wife, Evelyn (Diana Douglas), is a strong-willed and successful businesswoman who is more interested in her career than her family. Their son Alex (Michael Douglas) is a successful businessman who is struggling to balance his professional life with the demands of his family. Alex's son, Asher (Cameron Douglas), is a troubled teenager who is constantly getting in trouble at school and at home.
The story unfolds during a week in the Gromberg family's lives, as they struggle to cope with the challenges of their individual situations, while still trying to maintain their relationships with one another. The film explores the themes of family, love, forgiveness, and the importance of maintaining family traditions, no matter how small they may seem.
Kirk Douglas gives a fantastic performance as the patriarch of the Gromberg family, who is grappling with his own mortality and trying to make sure that his family stays together after his passing. Michael Douglas is equally impressive as Alex, the son who is trying to juggle his work commitments with his responsibilities as a husband and father. Bernadette Peters, who plays Alex's wife, is a wonderful addition to the cast, bringing a level of warmth and heart to the role.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the film is the relationship between Kirk Douglas and his real-life son, Michael. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and it's clear that they have a genuine love and respect for each other. The scenes they share together are some of the most touching in the movie, and it's heartening to see real-life family connections portrayed on screen.
The movie also deals with some darker themes, such as Asher's struggles with addiction and his strained relationship with his father. Cameron Douglas gives a powerful performance as the troubled teen, who is desperately trying to find his place in the world. The scenes between him and Michael Douglas are particularly poignant, as they try to bridge the gap that has developed between them.
Overall, It Runs in the Family is a heartwarming and thought-provoking family drama that explores the complexities of family relationships. The film is beautifully shot, and the performances from the all-star cast are top-notch. While the themes of the movie may be a bit heavy-handed at times, the underlying message of the importance of family and forgiveness is one that is sure to resonate with audiences. If you're looking for a movie that will warm your heart and make you appreciate the bonds of family, then It Runs in the Family is definitely worth a watch.
It Runs in the Family is a 2003 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 44.