Family Film Spotlight: "Parental Guidance" - Starring Billy Crystal and Bette Midler

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox

Old school parenting techniques versus contemporary child rearing methods - which is better? That is the question raised in the new comedy film Parental Guidance. Billy Crystal and Bette Midler star, as Artie and Diane Decker, the proud grandparents of three formidable youngsters, the intelligent and capable Harper (Bailee Madison), the quiet, reserved and equally intelligent Turner (Joshua Rush) and their precocious younger brother, Barker (Kyle Harrison Breitkopf). When Artie and Diane's daughter, Alice (Marisa Tomei) and her husband, Phil (Tom Everett Scott), prepare for a work related event, they ask her parents to babysit the children. While Diane seems thrilled, Artie is less enthusiastic. Alice shares his sentiment, partly because of past transgressions, but Phil thinks that everything will be fine.

Even though Alice and Phil agree to let her parents watch the kids, she has a tough time letting go. However, Alice eventually cuts the cord and meets with Phil, but things do not go smoothly with the often outspoken Artie. Of course, he is still reeling from being fired from his job as a baseball announcer after a lengthy and successful career. He does not share this information with Alice or Phil before they leave. Artie also feels uncomfortable around the children at first and even asks them to call him Artie, instead of grandpa, which prompts Barker to christen him with an unflattering nickname (hint - it rhymes with Artie).

While Diane seems to have no trouble relating to the children, Artie inadvertently makes an unflattering remark about Turner's speech impediment and seems to lose track of the strong-willed Barker, who does whatever he pleases on more than one occasion  Artie makes things worse when he introduces sugar into the children's diet, which Alice and Phil do not allow them to have. However, both Diane and Artie expose their grandchildren to more positive experiences, such as the classic game Kick the Can, which they all play while it is raining and the yard becomes muddy. The results are amusing and heartwarming. They also convey to Harper that she should take the time to have fun and not spend all of her time studying and preparing for a musical recital. Harper is pleased to have their support, since she met a boy at school and wants to get to know him better, but has little free time. However, Alice is not likely to be as supportive. In other words, when Alice and Phil return, there is much to sort out among the adults. 

Parental Guidance screenwriters Lisa Addario and Joe Syracuse seem to make the case for old school parenting techniques, which trump what Alice and Phil are trying to do, at least from my perspective. Yes, this is a light hearted comedy, but there are a few interesting social statements being made about contemporary parenting methods. The film does sometimes rely on cliches and tired humor, like a kick to the groin, but the performances generally elevate the material. For instance, Billy Crystal delivers strong and humorous work as the self-deprecating Artie, and all three of the aforementioned child actors are well cast and perfectly serviceable in their respective roles. Bette Midler and Marisa Tomei are quite good, too. Director Andy Fickman has crafted a consistently humorous family film that revels in the sometimes absurd notions about child rearing, which can take the fun out of childhood. The film is appropriate for the entire family and should appeal to viewers of all ages. Of course, Parental Guidance, which opens on Christmas Day, is not likely to win any awards, but it is certainly worth seeing.