Parents

Rating:
Summary: Something's rotten in the basement of suburbia...
Review: "Parents" is a really odd blend of your basic "something's rotten in suburbia" movie, a genuine horror flick, a lovingly created period piece, and...something else. Something even more disturbing than the movie's pretense.

The plot is fairly simple: poor Michael becomes convinced that his parents, who are paragons of suburbia, are cannibals. Are they? Really? The movie is told from Michael's point of view, and it sure looks like they are from here. The premise, and some of the touches, really have the feel of dark satire, and in fact I see "Parents" gets billed as a black comedy.

But look deeper in Michael's eyes, and it looks like something darker than comedy is going on here. It's not much of a stretch to interpret "cannibalism" as "child abuse" - look at how badly Michael is affected by his discoveries. The actual theme is broader, I think - essentially, the movie argues that the surface of suburbia can mask some really horrible things. Which isn't a particularly new notion, but it's worth pointing out sometimes.

I can't say I enjoyed "Parents," but it's extremely well-made and acted. I love the period look, and the shots of meat are appropriately disgusting. Maybe it's a comedy, but I didn't laugh once - instead, I shrunk in both the exaggerated horror of Michael's nightmares, the campy horror of his perception, and the genuine horror of his reality.

Rating:
Summary: Jackpot!.... or is that pot-luck?
Review: "Parents" is a modern-day comedy about a 1950s family... the Laemlies (lem-lees). Young Micheal Laemlie lives a life of secrecy, pain and anxiety. Plauged by regular nightmares and, to some extent, "daymares", Mike is a suffering child. He is moody, emotionless, withdrawn, and a 'picky eater'... apparently emotionally disturbed. In response to a drawing he is asked to create at school, Mike begins to see the school pyschologist... but, well, she doesn't hang around for too long.

This is a howingly funny gallow's-humor flick with a cannibalistic twist that is sure to catch your attention and earn a special place in your video collection. The music is idiotically happy, even in the midst of some horribly gruesome scenes. The effect is... eerie, disturbing.

Remember, people... what's the scariest thing of all? PARENTS!

Rating:
Summary: Something's rotten in the basement of suburbia...
Review: "Parents" is a really odd blend of your basic "something's rotten in suburbia" movie, a genuine horror flick, a lovingly created period piece, and...something else. Something even more disturbing than the movie's pretense.

The plot is fairly simple: poor Michael becomes convinced that his parents, who are paragons of suburbia, are cannibals. Are they? Really? The movie is told from Michael's point of view, and it sure looks like they are from here. The premise, and some of the touches, really have the feel of dark satire, and in fact I see "Parents" gets billed as a black comedy.

But look deeper in Michael's eyes, and it looks like something darker than comedy is going on here. It's not much of a stretch to interpret "cannibalism" as "child abuse" - look at how badly Michael is affected by his discoveries. The actual theme is broader, I think - essentially, the movie argues that the surface of suburbia can mask some really horrible things. Which isn't a particularly new notion, but it's worth pointing out sometimes.

I can't say I enjoyed "Parents," but it's extremely well-made and acted. I love the period look, and the shots of meat are appropriately disgusting. Maybe it's a comedy, but I didn't laugh once - instead, I shrunk in both the exaggerated horror of Michael's nightmares, the campy horror of his perception, and the genuine horror of his reality.

Rating:
Summary: CULT MOVIES 46
Review: 46. PARENTS (comedy, 1988) Ever since their move to a new town 10-year old Michael has been feeling strange. Maybe its because his new house seems so big and spooky. Or maybe its because Dad (Dennis Quaid) and his Mom (Mary Beth Hurt) practically force him to eat their favorite recipe they call "leftovers" (a combination of meats and stuff). Whatever the case he has grown very suspicions of anything and everyone. His growing anxieties instill in him a wicked outlook towards life that gets him in trouble at school. Sent to the school's counselor for help, she sets out to investigate Michael's private home life.

Critique: Strange little film is the blackest of comedies. The story is told from Michael's POV so everything looks abstract and weird. Attention to detail of setting (50s Americana), period pieces and customs is very rewarding. Bob Balaban's craftily directed 'Pax Americana' scenes seem aesthetic and distant. Similarities between David Lynch's own subversive 'Twin Peaks' society of evil lurking underneath wholesome settings, seem to have had an influence on Balaban (Lynch's own regular composer, Angelo Bandalamenti, provides the music). The film also benefits from the stylistic brushes of cinematographer-turned-director Barry Sonenfeld. The use of sweeping, low-angle shots (illustrating this 'child's nightmare world) and use of hand-held shots are wonderful. The cult overtones of the film make it not for all tastes.

QUOTE: Michael: "Well, what were they before they were leftovers?" Dad: "Leftovers to be."

Rating:
Summary: a dark trip
Review: a brilliant farce that walks the fine line between reality and hallucination - in other words, a perfect analogy of childhood on film. Certainly, a lot of the dark overtones mimmick the "black & white" certitude with which 1950s USA stepped forth, and though cannibalism is a vehicle for that idea, the film makes a much more sinister point. Un- fortunately, like many of the best visual filmmakers' films, this one has to be seen to be understood. Talking about it just doesn't do it justice. The plot may be thin at points, but the visual style is enough to keep this one going to the end.

Rating:
Summary: so good
Review: a brilliantly made movie...for those who love 50's culture, horror, suspense, or just a well done film.

Rating:
Summary: Where do leftovers come from?
Review: Absolutely one of the most original and innovative movies of our time. The lighting and music make this story work. Casting was perfect!

Rating:
Summary: The Funniest Sick Movie Ever
Review: Are you an automaton? Do you feel safe that way? Do you feel that being an automaton makes your neighborhood, your family, your way of life safe? If so, then meet the Lemley's. Seemingly perfect automaton suburbanites in the mid-50's. They refute the ideals of safeness. They will eat you. Oh yeah, and Randy Quaid invented a certain defoliant used extensively in a certain police action.

SEE THIS MOVIE NOW.

Rating:
Summary: Parents (1988)
Review: Bizarre film takes place in the 50's and is the story of a boy who wonders where his parents get all their leftover meat from and what it was before it was leftovers...and soon he discovers the terrible (but obvious) truth. "Parents" could have been a nice little horror/comedy like "House," but turned out to be more of a weirdo, bizarro, psycho film that is just too weird to be excepted as proper entertainment. The 50's was portrayed in the most horrific and lurid manner, and the way of life was just heartbreaking (ie. the little girl that Michael befriends). I was looking forward to a fun little horror/comedy, but was disappointed when I found it was a weirdo, bizarro, psycho film (hehe). It's alright, but I don't think it's really that special. Too weird for my tastes.

Rating:
Summary: A Bizarre and Weird Black Comedy
Review: I happened upon this movie, as did some others, late at night. I too was morbidly fascinated. I particularly identified with the helplessness of the little boy. The movie was not needlessly gory, as horror movies go. Rather, the psychological tension was more horrifying. The depictions of the preparation and serving of meat were enough to cause one to think about the barbarism of eating all animals! The set dresser deserves high praise for the authenticity of the 50's decor and customs. I am not a particular fan of horror movies, but this one was "deliciously" engaging.