Parental Guidance is a comedy that takes a look at the different parenting styles between generations. Alice and Phil Simmons are a 21st century couple who have raised their kids in a hectic world filled with trying to get their three kids to violin lessons, speech therapy and play dates, among other things. They also raised their kids by eliminating any risks or injuries that might damage the kids for life. Artie and Diane Decker are polar opposites. The Deckers are a more free-spirited couple who, to paraphrase a quote from Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus TV show, believe in taking chances and making mistakes. This conflict of parenting interests comes to an explosive turn when Alice and Phil are stuck with asking Alice's parents to babysit the kids while they go to a conference for Phil's job. Artie and Diane must find a way to relate to their grandkids who they rarely see if they have any hope of surviving the week without the parents.
Parental Guidance is a very sweet, charming little movie with a big heart. Comedies these days are filled with "bathroom" humor that is rarely actually funny, but this was a pleasant surprise. Sure, it had it's moments where the humor got a little off-color, such as a running joke that has Artie and Diane's grandkids calling Artie "Fartie". In the end the truly funny moments and the positive messages of the importance of family and marriage outweighed the more off-color moments. Originally I wasn't planning on seeing it because it didn't look like a movie I would enjoy, but I am very glad that I went. Parental Guidance turned out to be one of my favorites of the year.
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