Wonderful character development!

Such a frustrating disappointment

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

It Runs in the Family (2003): Dir: Fred Schepisi / Cast: Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Rory Culkin, Bernadette Peters, Cameron Douglas: Wonderful and thought provoking comedy about traits passed down. It stars real life father and son duo Kirk and Michael Douglas. Michael is married and fathers two sons. The oldest is flunking out of college while the youngest takes karate classes to deal with bullies. Michael plays a lawyer who washes dishes at a shelter but he becomes entangled in an affair. Kirk Douglas is dealing with the passing of his wife and the negativity he passed down to his son. Subplots play out effectively with fine directing by Fred Schepisi. It is awesome to see Kirk and Michael on screen together and their chemistry sparks much humour. Bernadette Peters is superb as Michael's wife and it has been a while since she has made her presence available. Her handling of the affair is a classy and amusing role that allows father and son to have a hilarious dog house moment. Rory Culkin and Cameron Douglas portray the two sons, both of which have issues they struggle with. It is interesting to see three generations of the Douglas family on screen together. None of us are perfect and we could all be exposed to more important issues but here is a film with a wonderful message that should be passed down to every member of the household. Score: 10 / 10

I watched it 2 times, very endearing, each plot if carefully paid attention to can make you either sympathize or laugh or even cry, it's sweet, the father/son/grandson is adorable, funny, witty, and I think it touched my heart during the deaths of Pappys wife and brother.. It's hard to imagine your life partner gone after so long...and then to lose your brother within the same time, I think Michael and Kirk did a wonderful job, and "Asher" was an eye opener to anyone trying to stay as a teenager even when they should have priorities. Culkin was sweet as the conscience yet innocent child, their traditions were upheld, the characters were in depth, making the plots more understandable if you really pay attention and try to enjoy the movie instead of sit and criticize every action they make.

"It Runs in the Family" is a boring comedy. There is some element of a tribute to the great acting career of Kirk Douglas, who plays an elderly father of Michael Douglas. His stroke producing hemiparesis and dysphasia is amply displayed by this veteran. One can enjoy some few sentimental moments, but it is not worth the rental. The Douglas family probably received some handsome remuneration for this film. They probably also are enjoying the fact that nearly their entire family is featured in this fiasco. One should avoid this film if possible. If not, be prepared to take a brief snooze. Don't waste your money on this boring tribute to a great actor.

It's a light-hearted family comedy. The chemistry between the casts is wunderful, especially that of Kirk and Diana Douglas. The husband-and-wife conversations in the film feel warm and real, thanks to Jesse Wigutow's good script. The Douglas family really pulled it off without making it a vanity.Although I agree with other ratings on IMDB, I feel that this movie is underrated here.(6.5/10)