It Runs in the Family

A sappy comedy-drama about the trials and tragedies affecting three generations of an upper-class New York City family, the chief distinction of director Fred Schepisi's (Roxanne, Last Orders) latest is that it brings together onscreen for the first time various members of the Douglas clan: Kirk as the irascible patriarch (like the actor, a recent stroke victim); Michael as his lawyer son, who feels a lack of affection from his father; and Cameron as Michael's boy, a collegiate slacker also involved in drugs (Kirk's ex-wife Diana also appears as the old man's devoted spouse). The clan goes through a muddle of crises that are designed to elicit laughter and tears in approximately equal measure, and the last act offers multiple climaxes and what seem like endless reconciliations, but what the film lacks entirely is any shred of credibility or subtlety. None of the Douglases distinguish themselves; in fact, the best performances are by Bernadette Peters and Rory Culkin as Michael's long-suffering wife and younger son. It Runs in the Family is an urban cousin of schmaltz like On Golden Pond, and it sinks under the crushing weight of its clichés. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Fred Schepisi, a 29-minute “Family Makes You Nuts” making-of documentary, the seven-minute featurette “All That Grit: Kirk Douglas and the Movies,” three deleted scenes (including an alternate beginning), a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a so-so extras package for a disappointing film.] (F. Swietek)