Parents (1989)

Ever wonder what the American Dream was really all about? You know, the Post-War Dream? I lived through it, and it wasn't all backyard barbecues and family vacations. This work of art stands as the perfect metaphor for those times which seem so long ago for many people alive today, but those of us 50 years or older know how things really were behind the smiles and friendly nods--not so peaceful, as the Beat, Civil Rights, and Hippie movements showed us. Movie about people eating other people? Sure, if you must. But what is actually on display is something far more sinister, and real. Life devoid of love and forgiveness does a real number on people. Now, all the theology set aside, if you love black humor, this is the film for you. Forget that stupid movie Pleasantville and dive right into this nasty little slice of Horror. You won't be sorry you did. I've seen it multiple times since its release in 1989, and I'm still watching it.

I liked this film, but I'm honestly torn between the aspects I liked and the obvious flaws. This film couldn't decide what it wanted to be. A dark comedy, a satire, a surrealist film, a thriller? In some ways, the film is a blend of all of these genres, but it sparsely executes any aspects of those genres effectively.There's not enough laughs for it to be a dark comedy. There's a scene in particular where a character is getting stabbed, whilst a '50s pop song plays. The delivery of the scene is like a thriller, yet the use of the song makes it feel like a comedy. I feel like an opportunity for some great dark comedy was missed (think Shaun of the Dead, with the use of the Queen song). The nods to '50s pop culture are cute at best. There's some suspense near the end, but we already know from the start that the parents are cannibals - so why was there a "big reveal" scene? The dream sequences are fun, but never really amount to much. It seems like the dreams were only added to make the audience think the lead character had a wild imagination, so that the "big reveal" scene would be even more shocking. Again, it's not really a secret that the parents are cannibals... the poster gives it away! The directing by Bob Balaban was quite good. Some fun takes, and great set up shots. Going back to the flaws though, it really feels like the director had a plethora of creative ideas, and wanted to fit them all in to one film. There's a a recurring theme of the colour red throughout... but then there's also a theme of the colour green... then both seem abandoned when the nearing the finale. It's like the director wanted to throw in some symbolism, or deep meaning, but then forgot about it due to focusing on another idea. It's sad, because I think Balaban is a creative director, and he went on to director a legit underrated cult classic - "My Boyfriend's Back". This film was more like a "my first cult film" than a true classic.The acting was great by all involved, especially Randy Quaid. The soundtrack was generally good, with the use of some '50s songs. The placement of the score was hit or miss though.Despite the flaws, there's something charming about the film. Maybe it's the '50s setting, or the surreal aspects, interesting direction, or even a surprisingly good performance from Randy Quaid. Whatever it is, this film has all the makings of a cult film... however, this is more like a cult not-so-classic.

Parents is a short, simple and quirky semi-horror film. Classic, nah, but definitely a fun watch. The plot is simple and there's a few hints about what's going on before it all comes together in the middle. Before that you'll just be watching this 50's themed movie and not really be sure where it's headed because, well, it's more like a bunch of scenes that have no effect on each other at first (but isn't it like that with so many movies). That's not a bad thing though, because the 50's setting is part of what makes Parents a fun watch. There's the perfect happy family living in a perfect house but obviously something's askew, something dark and morbid going on behind the facade of perfection.I wish some of the more interesting and relevant characters had been a little better elaborated upon, like Michael's friend or the social worker from school. I also wish his nightmares had gone into detail a little more because you never get to see why Michael gets suspicious of his family dinners in the first place. Otherwise, even though there's some things that could have been elaborated on a little more, this is a cool movie. There isn't much gore but that which there is, is modest and well-done, and the scene with the social worker is pretty hair-raising.Towards the end, when you see the grandparents, you already know how it's going to end (and you're right). And still it's a fun watch. There's something humorous about the whole movie, it's not straight horror but the comedic aspect is not blunt enough to call it a comedy. Like I said the 50's theme helps a lot, say this movie took place in the 90's it would be pretty boring and unoriginal. But no, this is about the perfect 50's family and one very un-perfect secret they've been keeping. A way fun movie.

When my parents rented this movie, I was expecting a very funny movie as Randy Quaid is very funny in comedy movies. However, this movie is not all that funny and it is somewhat boring too. You can see the surprise coming a mile away and it runs long for a movie that is supposedly only eighty one minutes long. So I can honestly say it is not a movie that is on my favorites list. It may work for some people, but it just did not work with me at all proving to be rather slow in the build-up with virtually nothing that amused me within the entire movie. Randy Quaid is wasted and the rest of the cast is a list of very bland actors and actresses. The premise of the movie had potential, as did the casting of Quaid, but all of it just sputters and the inclusion of the horror element just seems very unnecessary. Granted, the one dream sequence the kid had when he jumped on the bed and it suddenly became a whirlpool of blood was very nicely done and would have worked very well in a movie that was supposed to be pure horror, instead of one that lists comedy as its first genre.