It Runs In The FamilyMovie Reviews

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So-so
Avg. Critic Score: 44 out of 100 Mixed or average reviews Metascore® based on all critic reviews
Information for Parents:
14 Iffy for 14+
Read Common Sense Media review

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 80
    The New York Times | Stephen Holden

    Jesse Wigutow's screenplay is one of those marvels of economy, idiomatic facility and well-chosen detail that knows exactly when to cut away from a scene without grinding it into your face. Read full review

  • 70
    Washington Post | Michael O'Sullivan

    Much to my surprise and delight, the movie is nothing like its marketing. Read full review

  • 70
    Variety | Robert Koehler

    Uneasily pivots between comedy and drama, with its best parts strongly reminiscent of Schepisi's previous, British-made drama about aging and dying buddies, "Last Orders." Read full review

  • 70
    Los Angeles Times | Kevin Thomas

    Schepisi not only inspired the cast to give well-shaded, reflective portrayals but also made the film a work of honest, heartfelt sentiment. Read full review

  • 63
    USA Today | Claudia Puig

    Father and son Kirk and Michael Douglas' moments together are among the movie's best. Read full review

  • 50
    Chicago Sun-Times | Roger Ebert

    The movie is simply not clear about where it wants to go and what it wants to do. It is heavy on episode and light on insight, and although it takes courage to bring up touchy topics it would have taken more to treat them frankly. Read full review

  • 40
    Wall Street Journal | Joe Morgenstern

    Every scene in this oppressive film has a theme or didactic purpose, but little life. Read full review

  • 30
    Washington Post | Rita Kempley

    Schmaltzy. Read full review

  • 25
    Entertainment Weekly | Lisa Schwarzbaum

    A sodden drama of filial conflict that dares the audience to confuse the characters with the players. P.T. Barnum couldn't have come up with a better hook, but he would have rewarded his suckers with more ''On Golden Pond'' entertainment bang for their buck. Read full review

  • 0
    San Francisco Chronicle | Mick LaSalle

    Achingly long and pointless, "Runs" is a movie about family that's dishonest in its presentation of every relationship. Read full review

View more reviews for It Runs In The Family on Metacritic

Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says Iffy for 14+ Disappointing story of a dysfunctional family.
What Parents Need to Know Parents need to know that this movie has a lot of mature material for a PG-13, including sexual situations and references. There is one casual sexual encounter in which a girl introduces herself to the boy just as they are about to go to bed together. An older brother nags his 11-year-old brother about kissing (or more) the girl he likes. A grandfather gives his grandson tips about seducing a girl. An adulterous encounter is halted because someone comes into the room. A character uses and deals in drugs, and characters turn to alcohol to numb their feelings.
  • Families can talk about why it is so hard for the people in this family to talk to each other, even though many of them want to. How do different families communicate in different ways?
The good stuff
  • rolemodels true2 Positive role models: Strong women.
What to watch for
  • violence false3 Violence: Tense family scenes, bullies menace smaller kids.
  • sex false3 Sex: Strong sexual references and situations for a PG-13.
  • language false3 Language: Strong language for a PG-13, including "s--t," damn, ass, and bitch.
  • consumerism false3 Consumerism: Not an issue
  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3 Drinking, drugs and smoking: Character uses and sells drugs, drinking and smoking.
An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology. © Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

It Runs In The Family Movie Ratings + Reviews

Fans say

So-so 60 fan reviews

Critics say

So-so See all critic reviews

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