Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Roger Ebert reviews Parenthood, the 1989 comedy-drama directed by Ron Howard and starring Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves, and Joaquin Phoenix.
The film follows several generations of the Buckman family as they deal with marriage, children, responsibility, disappointment, pressure, and the emotional chaos of raising a family. Blending comedy with honest family drama, Parenthood became one of Ron Howard’s most relatable and enduring films.
In this review, Ebert looks at the film’s mix of humor and heart, Steve Martin’s performance as an overwhelmed father, and the way Parenthood captures the messy, funny, and emotional reality of family life.
Roger Ebert reviews Parenthood, the 1989 comedy-drama directed by Ron Howard and starring Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves, and Joaquin Phoenix.
The film follows several generations of the Buckman family as they deal with marriage, children, responsibility, disappointment, pressure, and the emotional chaos of raising a family. Blending comedy with honest family drama, Parenthood became one of Ron Howard’s most relatable and enduring films.
In this review, Ebert looks at the film’s mix of humor and heart, Steve Martin’s performance as an overwhelmed father, and the way Parenthood captures the messy, funny, and emotional reality of family life.
