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Parental Guidance | Feel Good Movie of 2013

This morning we spontaneously decided to go see a movie as a family today, but we had no idea what was showing or if there was any way to find something that we could all agree. on.

Everyone with kids at a wide range of age can attest, it’s a challenge to find a movie the whole family can enjoy. Invariably if the littles like it, the older ones think it is stupid; and if the tweens are interested, it’s usually inappropriate for younger viewers. And the poor parents can usually just forget about finding something THEY will find enjoyable. That criteria usually isn’t even taken into consideration when choosing a family movie because . . . good luck!

But Parental Guidance with Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, and Marisa Tomei manages to do the seemingly impossible — entertain our entire family of 5 which ranges in age from 7 to . . . well . . . a lady never discloses her husband’s age, isn’t that true??? Let’s say 40-something and call it a day, shall we?

The point is, this movie is adorable. We were skeptical when we saw the plot summary and read the reviews, but we decided to take a chance, and I’m so glad we did.

It is funny without being too silly, it is touching without being too cheesy, and the storyline is relatable to both kids and adults. The script is clever, if not entirely original, but the delivery and comedic timing by these seasoned pros manage to make up for anything that is lacking. Kudos to Billy Crystal for producing a nice family movie. How rare is THAT these days???

The other thing I like? The parents don’t come off being idiots (not too much, anyway.)

Yes, there is some innuendo and potty humor sprinkled in, but overall it’s a classy flick.

We all left the theater in good humor, bantering as families tend to do, and I found myself smiling as I walked along and just basking in the normal.

If you’re looking for a fun family movie, definitely check out Parental Guidance. And tell me if you like it!

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11 Responses

  1. Thanks, JL!! I’ll keep that one in mind. It’s so hard to find good movies, and Crystal is definitely a class act. Judging from that photo, Bette MIdler is looking great for her age! Wow!

  2. Much of the movie is filmed in my neighborhood. The ball park is down the street a few blocks. Many of the extra kids are really neighborhood kids and real ball players who regularly play at that park. Can’t wait to see it!

  3. Thank You! My 10 year old saw this during a sleepover last night. I am so glad you found it appropriate! (Phew!!)

  4. We watched this movie, too, and we loved it. As far as older kids go, I don’t know how they would react to this one. My 3-year old wasn’t with us, we had a babysitter. :)) But, I am sure he would have enjoyed it. Our 3 month old was napping and nursing through it. 🙂 And one more thing, here in Oregon, there is a promotion going with Cheerios (and some other types of cereal): two boxes of cereal will allow you to print a movie ticket. We used this opportunity and watched the movie for half the price. That was extra fun.

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