Yours, Mine and Ours Review
—1. Overview (multimedia)
—2. Overview Basic (dial up speed)
—3. Reviews and Blogs
—4. Cast and Crew
—5. Photo Pages
—6. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—7. Posters (Dennis Quaid)
—8. Production Notes (pdf)
—9. Spiritual Connections
—10. Presentation Downloads
This is a film that kids will absolutely love. At first, I was not particularly impressed with it. The predictable plot and heavy use of slapstick is not generally my style. However, as I left the theater, a mom asked her son, “How did you like the movie?� He replied with unbelievable enthusiasm, “I loved it! It was awesome!� That’s when I got it.
Children’s films of our generation appeal to a different side of the child’s psyche – that of fun and desire. What kid wouldn’t want to roll a watermelon down the stairs and chase a pig through the house? Many children only dream of doing the outrageous things that are done in the North household, and I wouldn’t exclude the military-like Beardsley household either. Kids thrive on order. Have you ever asked a group of kids to march in a line? They love it! The stylized symmetry of Frank Beardsley’s family is something to be admired. This film tries to combine two outrageous households: one that is liberal, wacky and wild, and one that is conservative, structured and orderly. What a perfect combination for kids. In my mind, an ideal home runs efficiently but also encourages creativity and spontenaity. These two worlds, when combined, develop the whole person instead of only one facet. And that seems to be missing in modern households.
Although some of the lines were over-the-top, the message is still a good one: love conquers all. The two families try to integrate solely based on the parents’ love for one another, and the vision that they have for their futures. Frank Beardsley (Dennis Quaid) and Helen North (Rene Russo) have a history together. They also know that they will not likely find another partner who will both love and accept all of their kids. It is from their great capacity to love that they are driven to attempt the impossible. And for a while, it is impossible.
Frank Beardsley tries to create an environment of teamwork. No doubt, his military training helps him see the natural bonding that comes as a result of working together. His attempt to bring the kids together by fixing up the house fails miserably. Instead, they unite over something entirely different: a plan to break up their parents. Frank makes a fantastic speech that I wish all blending families would embrace. He tells them that they just need to stay together long enough to see why their parents think they’re wonderful. Far too often, families (and marriages too) split up because people never get beyond the negative. They never try to see what others love about them. By a twist of plot, Frank’s theory proves to be true. Teamwork does unite them, and they see the uniqueness and value of each family member.
Another fun aspect of this film is the exploration of large families. Much like Cheaper by the Dozen, this film shows the chaos that can be a persistent element in large families. And let me tell you, the kids love it! Even I was riveted by the busy-ness and disarray of the scene over breakfast. It was a little overwhelming, much like trying to absorb the cartoon world of Robots. What an adventure it must be, though, to be part of something so ever-changing. Large families are like a flock of birds in flight. You just watch as the complete disorder falls into order as they fly away together. Some say large families can’t make it in this society, but I’ve seen it done. Love unites.
Although this film is not directly spiritual, it does incorporate several elements that are indicative of spiritual or moral conviction.
As I mentioned above, love is the foundation of family and it is from love that all things grow.
Also, the parents get married before they try to live together. In a world where many people want to “test the waters� before making a commitment, these characters throw caution into the wind and rely on an underlying faith that things will work out. Their commitment supercedes their fear. Of course, they struggle when the differences begin to overwhelm them. They want to give up. They do give up.
But, a third spiritual element is that the family is held together by the kids. Some may frown on the idea that kids can keep a marriage together longer than it “should be� together, but God created families and all parties are equally important. I have several friends who are thankful for the times when their kids held their marriages together. Even if it was for what many would say are the wrong reasons, they held on long enough for things to improve. The children inspired them to work out their differences, and they enjoy the benefits of that work today. Of course, just waiting out a marriage until the kids are grown is not enough – we can be inspired by our children, inspired to stretch our faith and our hope during trials.
Lastly, the concept of multi-cultural integration is something that is badly needed in the church. Not only do we need to accept blended families as a reality and a blessing, we also have some room to grow in the area of church denomination. Blended families and denominations within the Christian faith reflect the concept of the Body of Christ, the universal church. God created each of us so vastly different. We all have something to bring to the table. The more we recognize that, the harder we will work to operate as a team. And the better we will put into practice Christ’s call to love one another deeply.
Overall, this film is very cute. If you’re looking for a fun family film, this is it. It might be a great Saturday afternoon activity to remind us of how valuable every member of our family is.
—Overview
—2. Overview Basic (dial up speed)
—3. Reviews and Blogs
—4. Cast and Crew
—5. Photo Pages
—6. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—7. Posters (Dennis Quaid)
—8. Production Notes (pdf)
—9. Spiritual Connections
—10. Presentation Downloads
This is a film that kids will absolutely love. At first, I was not particularly impressed with it. The predictable plot and heavy use of slapstick is not generally my style. However, as I left the theater, a mom asked her son, “How did you like the movie?� He replied with unbelievable enthusiasm, “I loved it! It was awesome!� That’s when I got it. Children’s films of our generation appeal to a different side of the child’s psyche – that of fun and desire. What kid wouldn’t want to roll a watermelon down the stairs and chase a pig through the house? Many children only dream of doing the outrageous things that are done in the North household, and I wouldn’t exclude the military-like Beardsley household either. Kids thrive on order. Have you ever asked a group of kids to march in a line? They love it! The stylized symmetry of Frank Beardsley’s family is something to be admired. This film tries to combine two outrageous households: one that is liberal, wacky and wild, and one that is conservative, structured and orderly. What a perfect combination for kids. In my mind, an ideal home runs efficiently but also encourages creativity and spontenaity. These two worlds, when combined, develop the whole person instead of only one facet. And that seems to be missing in modern households.
Although some of the lines were over-the-top, the message is still a good one: love conquers all. The two families try to integrate solely based on the parents’ love for one another, and the vision that they have for their futures. Frank Beardsley (Dennis Quaid) and Helen North (Rene Russo) have a history together. They also know that they will not likely find another partner who will both love and accept all of their kids. It is from their great capacity to love that they are driven to attempt the impossible. And for a while, it is impossible.
Frank Beardsley tries to create an environment of teamwork. No doubt, his military training helps him see the natural bonding that comes as a result of working together. His attempt to bring the kids together by fixing up the house fails miserably. Instead, they unite over something entirely different: a plan to break up their parents. Frank makes a fantastic speech that I wish all blending families would embrace. He tells them that they just need to stay together long enough to see why their parents think they’re wonderful. Far too often, families (and marriages too) split up because people never get beyond the negative. They never try to see what others love about them. By a twist of plot, Frank’s theory proves to be true. Teamwork does unite them, and they see the uniqueness and value of each family member.
Another fun aspect of this film is the exploration of large families. Much like Cheaper by the Dozen, this film shows the chaos that can be a persistent element in large families. And let me tell you, the kids love it! Even I was riveted by the busy-ness and disarray of the scene over breakfast. It was a little overwhelming, much like trying to absorb the cartoon world of Robots. What an adventure it must be, though, to be part of something so ever-changing. Large families are like a flock of birds in flight. You just watch as the complete disorder falls into order as they fly away together. Some say large families can’t make it in this society, but I’ve seen it done. Love unites.
Although this film is not directly spiritual, it does incorporate several elements that are indicative of spiritual or moral conviction.
As I mentioned above, love is the foundation of family and it is from love that all things grow.
Also, the parents get married before they try to live together. In a world where many people want to “test the waters� before making a commitment, these characters throw caution into the wind and rely on an underlying faith that things will work out. Their commitment supercedes their fear. Of course, they struggle when the differences begin to overwhelm them. They want to give up. They do give up.
But, a third spiritual element is that the family is held together by the kids. Some may frown on the idea that kids can keep a marriage together longer than it “should be� together, but God created families and all parties are equally important. I have several friends who are thankful for the times when their kids held their marriages together. Even if it was for what many would say are the wrong reasons, they held on long enough for things to improve. The children inspired them to work out their differences, and they enjoy the benefits of that work today. Of course, just waiting out a marriage until the kids are grown is not enough – we can be inspired by our children, inspired to stretch our faith and our hope during trials.
Lastly, the concept of multi-cultural integration is something that is badly needed in the church. Not only do we need to accept blended families as a reality and a blessing, we also have some room to grow in the area of church denomination. Blended families and denominations within the Christian faith reflect the concept of the Body of Christ, the universal church. God created each of us so vastly different. We all have something to bring to the table. The more we recognize that, the harder we will work to operate as a team. And the better we will put into practice Christ’s call to love one another deeply.
Overall, this film is very cute. If you’re looking for a fun family film, this is it. It might be a great Saturday afternoon activity to remind us of how valuable every member of our family is.
—Overview
1 Comments:
H was mindless Entertainment, but good. we took our grandparents and had a good time. Loved your review. We think alike!
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