Watch Parenthood

Parenthood is a 1989 comedy-drama directed by Ron Howard and starring Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, and Dianne Wiest. The movie follows the lives of the Buckman family and their extended relatives as they navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. Gil Buckman (Steve Martin) is a high-strung parent who is struggling to connect with his three children, each of whom has their own set of problems. His wife Karen (Mary Steenburgen) is dealing with her own issues, including an unexpected pregnancy.

Gil's sister Helen (Dianne Wiest) is a single mother who is raising two children on her own. Her son Garry (Joaquin Phoenix) is struggling with adolescence, while her daughter Julie (Martha Plimpton) is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.

Meanwhile, Gil's younger brother Larry (Tom Hulce) is a freewheeling ne'er-do-well who is trying to reconnect with his estranged wife and their troubled son.

As the Buckman family grapples with these challenges, they learn that parenthood is a never-ending journey full of joy, heartbreak, and everything in between.

One of the strengths of Parenthood is its ensemble cast, which includes not only Martin, Steenburgen, and Wiest but also a young Keanu Reeves as Karen's love interest and veteran actors Rick Moranis and Jason Robards in supporting roles. The actors all give believable and nuanced performances, bringing to life the various struggles and triumphs of parenthood.

Director Ron Howard, who himself was a parent at the time of the film's release, brings sensitivity and humor to the material. The movie tackles a wide range of topics, from the challenges of disciplining children to the dilemmas of raising a child with special needs. It also deals with the theme of family dynamics and how they can both help and hinder one's journey through life.

The film's soundtrack also deserves mention, with a score by Randy Newman and a number of classic rock and roll tracks that add to the film's nostalgic tone.

Overall, Parenthood is a heartfelt and entertaining look at the joys and struggles of modern family life. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever been a parent or a child, and its messages about love, understanding, and the importance of family are still relevant today.

Parenthood is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 82.