“It Runs In the Family” (MGM)
“It Runs In the Family” is a family affair for the Kirk Douglas clan. In the movie Kirk plays Michael Gromberg, the patriarch of a family that lives in New York. Diana Douglas (Michael Douglas’ mother and Kirk’s ex-wife) plays Evelyn Gromberg, Michael’s wife. Michael Douglas plays their son Alex, and Cameron Douglas plays Alex’s son Asher. As you can see there are more Douglases in this film than you can shake a stick at.
As a family reunion for the actors the movie is fine, but as a piece of entertainment the movie is slow and non-eventful. The story centers around Alex and his family. He and his wife Rebecca (Bernadette Peters) are both full time professionals but they try to provide quality time to their two sons, Asher and Eli (Rory Culkin). They also stay in close touch with Alex’s parents, Michael and Evelyn.
Michael has had a stroke and his speech is slurrred. Evelyn is on dialysis for kidney problems. Alex has his hands full with his law practice and helping out with the local soup kitchen. There he is pursued by his co-worker Suzie (Sarita Choudhury). Alex is resisting temptation but it’s a losing battle.
Meanwhile Asher is flunking his senior year of college. He just can’t seem to get it together. But he does have his eye on his classmate Peg (Michelle Monaghan) a girl who seems unimpressed by his wild ways.
As the film progresses there is a death in the family, and some revelations that help bring the family together. There are also some truths revealed that help the audience appreciate the characters more. Still the overall effect is a look at a family album that captures a slice of their lives and then ends.
The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity and sexual situations.
Kirk Douglas is a marvel as he acts again following his stroke. He is to be commended for his courage in overcoming his limitations and moving forward. The rest of the cast pales when compared with his talent but they all make good efforts to bring this “family tale” to life.
I scored “It Runs In the Family” a related 5 out of 10.
©2003 Jackie K. Cooper
