PARENTAL GUIDANCE (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Parental Guidance—a simple movie about a large topic—examines clashes between grandparents, their children, and their grandchildren. The film turns into a very good story worth watching as cultures collide and try to find a common meeting ground. The movie relies on the comedic talents of Billy Crystal and the invincible Bette Midler. It’s a good pick for an evening’s entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Artie Decker (Billy Crystal), an announcer for the Fresno Grizzly’s Minor League Baseball Team, gets fired. He goes home where his wife Diane Decker (Bette Midler) endeavors to console him. The next scenes show extra modern Alice Simmons (Marisa Tomei) and her husband, Phil Simmons (Tom Everett Scott), deciding to take a vacation away from their children. They call Alice Simmons’ parents, Artie and Diane Decker, to sit the children. The clash between old-style culture and new-style culture makes great entertainment especially when balances are struck between Alice Simmons, her parents, and the three grandchildren.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andy Fickman for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Kevin Halloran and Samantha Sprecher for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harper Simmons (Bailee Madison), Turner Simmons (Joshua Rush), Barker Simmons (Kyle Harrison Breitkopf), Mr. Cheng (Gedde Watanabe), and Tony Hawk (as Himself).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is a small jewel that the family will not want to miss.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers