Let's be realistic.

It is a performances centric movie

Instant Favorite.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

My family and I started watching this show via streaming video only because my wife and I were impressed by Steve Martin's film of the same name. That film was surprising to us due to its complexity, seriousness and character depth which was unexpected considering the advertising and actors involved, we did not think it would be as excellent as it was. So - there's my plug for the film.The television show also is of an equal quality. I found the characters believable and mostly legitimate, though I must say in the later episodes Lauren Graham's character was so irritating (my wife said, "can she ever just stop talking??") we could not stand to listen to her and fast-forwarded past her dialog. Max Burkholder is our all-time favorite and who doesn't love Dax Shephard? What kind of name is Dax, anyway? My son always asks this as he liked him in "Zathura". Sarah Ramos is a talented studio staple, she was spectacular in "American Dreams". The content of the series although written as California-oriented most of the family issues could be found anywhere; however, the wide, wide liberal premise is a bit Ozzie and Harriet for mainstream non-inner-city America such as Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. But that's what television is - an escape from reality. All in all a good show, but we would have enjoyed it more if the writers had Ms. Graham and Whitman shut the heck up.

Seems that's all we get nowadays. Neurotic, selfish characters. Perhaps this reflects the people who write this rubbish? I don't know. What I do know, is that it seems that most new shows have these people all over the place. I've known a few like this, but every single character? Seems a little far-fetched to me.

E4:11 - what to my wandering eyes. This episode paralleled my life. Several years ago I went into septic shock from eating bad food at a restaurant. Obviously I lived, however I was so sick that I hardly noticed what was going on around me. This episode allowed me to experience what my husband went through. He was sick too, from the same meal; yet, there he was at my side, holding my hand, settling me down so the doctors could help me. He never left my side. I knew he stepped out to call family yet I never realized how difficult this must have been for him...to loose the love of his life, almost. You see, we are high school sweethearts. We married other people after high school, lived separate lives, and divorced. We met up again years later and married. I am so blessed to have him, and his delightful family - so much like the Braverman's it is remarkable. Amazing parents, 2 boys, 2 girls, and they demonstrate their love and devotion for each other every day of their lives. As I came back from the brink of death, I felt so deeply grateful for my life, for my love, and for my family. Thank you to the writers, cast, and crew, of Parenthood that so thoughtfully brought me back this memory. This episode helped me relive the tender and tearful moments of that experience and allowed me to gain empathy for my husband & families' experience. Teaching me again to be grateful, and honored, and humbled by the power of faith and Love. Denise C

It's hard to even put into words how I feel about this show. I was instantly drawn to it from the first ten minutes. It's beautifully written and I was so sad to see it come to an end. The characters are lovable and it always leaves you wanting more. If you don't like to have to pull out the Kleenex box every so often you may not want to watch. The ensemble of actors that were chosen for this show are great and blend well with one another. Craig T. Nelson is the lovable patriarch of the family. Bonnie Bedehlia plays his wife who is the backbone of the family. My personal favorite is Dax Shephard who plays Crosby. What a true and fun loving character.