Yours, Mine and Ours
reviewed by Jane Louise Boursaw
| Suggested Ages: |
MPAA Rating: |
Star Rating: |
| 8+ |
PG |
**** |
 Frank Beardsley (Dennis Quaid) is a Coast Guard Admiral who runs his family with military precision. Helen North (Rene Russo) is an artsy handbag designer who takes a more relaxed approach to parenting (in other words, she lets her kids run wild). So what happens when these two single parents fall in love and want to get married? Oh, and did I mention that he has 8 kids and she has 10? Needless to say, the kids aren't too happy with the situation and decide to "unite against the greater enemy" -- namely, Mom and Dad. Throw one pig into the mix and let the wacky hijinks begin!
When I heard they were doing a re-make of the classic 1968 movie starring Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda...well, I was skeptical, to say the least. But this is a fun holiday movie that appeals to all ages -- despite the fact that the storyline follows a "kids against parents" theme. It's lighthearted fare that will take you away from the stress of life for a couple of hours (and you'll also be thanking your lucky stars that you don't have 18 kids -- all out to get you!).
PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): Youngsters 5 and under may not understand the "merging families" storyline and will probably get bored and restless. For family fun, consider tuning your little ones into Baby Looney Tunes (Cartoon Network, weekdays, 1 p.m.), which features baby Bugs, Daffy, and the rest of the gang exploring their world and inviting young viewers to do the same.
GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): A barrage of wacky hijinks -- including a cake-eating pet pig and several schemes by the kids to drive their parents apart -- will keep grade-schoolers interested. And the fact that the cast ranges from grade-schoolers to teens gives this movie a broad appeal.
TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): With a cast that includes Danielle Panabaker (Sky High), Drake Bell (Drake & Josh), and Amber Tamblyn (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants), teens and tweens will love seeing their favorite stars on the big screen, trying to cope with new and unwanted siblings. This is a fun movie for families, friends, or couples.
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Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance writer specializing in the television and movie industry. Her syndicated column, "Reel Life With Jane," is published in papers throughout the country. Email her at jboursaw@charter.net.
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