Talent Does Run in The Family

It Runs in the Family

This 2003 remake of an unsuccessful 1994 movie is a bit more appealing with a cast full of royalty, namely Kirk Douglas’s family. The story looks at a dysfunctional but prominent family in New York, including three generations of Grombergs, all strained relationships who live very separate lives.

Although it has a light tone and some humor, this movie deals with very serious issues: aging, illegal drugs, adolescent fighting, career changes and ultimately death.

Michael Douglas produced this comedy-drama with his father, Kirk Douglas who was 86 years old, only seven years after his actually having a stroke.

Cameron Douglas plays Michael’s son, Alex, a college student who struggles with drinking and drugs, and learns some hard lessons. Fine acting for a beginner.

Diana Dill, Michael’s real life mother and Kirk’s ex-wife plays the patriarch’s wife as a lady of grace and stature. I felt she wasn't even acting but just playing herself. Lovely lady. Bernadette Peters plays Michael’s psychologist wife. Although this is a somber role for Peters, she dose a fine job as a betrayed wife and loving mother.

In my opinion, the main weakness in this movie is that it does not allow you to like or even care about its main characters. There is just too much noise and too much going on to get to know anyone until the movie is half over. When tragedy brings the family together, the ending is quite surprising leaving you with good feelings of love, understanding and reconciliation. After the first half was over, I really started to enjoy the relationships and the plot. I no longer checked the time or wondered how much longer before it was over. Although a slow start, I do recommend this one, especially to see the Douglas family work together.

Trivia

Director Fred Schepisi said he was concerned about Kirk’s voice and his strength; ready to use Michael’s voice and digitally alter it if necessary. Although it was hard to see Kirk struggling with the effects of his stroke, he was able to finish his scenes without too much difficulty, and with the professionalism of a star of his magnitude.

Not terribly successful, the movie only grossed $7.5 million compared to Michael’s next film, “The In-laws,” which grossed $20 million.