Good start, but then it gets ruined

Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

A year after his stroke, grandfatherly Kirk Douglas (as Mitchell "Pappy" Gromberg) is in remarkable shape, and is seeing a speech therapist. Happily married son Michael Douglas (as Alex) is nonetheless having a hard time fighting off the urge to merge with a hot co-volunteer. Third generation Cameron Douglas (as Asher) is a way too laid-back college drug user, and dealer. He encourages sixth grade little brother Rory Culkin (as Eli) to start putting some notches on his young belt. "You poking' her?" young Mr. Douglas asks little brother about a classmate. "I'm eleven," Mr. Culkin explains. "It Runs in the Family" is an unfunny dysfunctional "light-hearted comedy," with heavy-handed dramatic overtones. Surprisingly, Donna (as Evelyn) is the best Douglas in the house. The greater Douglas/Douglas pairing fizzles like a senile uncle's gas at the supper table.**** It Runs in the Family (4/25/03) Fred Schepisi ~ Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Cameron Douglas, Bernadette Peters

It Runs in the family is a great movie to watch with family. The character's have great chemistry together. The cast is incredibly talented, especially, Kirk Douglas, he still has that spark in him that makes him a natural. Dina Douglas (mother,grandmother) is a delight to watch. Michael Douglas is an inspiration as Alex. Cameron Douglas is a very talented young man. Rory Culken is a clever and talented boy like his brother. Once again, Bernadette Peters shows that she is an incredible actress. If you want a great family movie to watch, this one is the one or if you want a comedy, this movie has some scenes that has some funny moments. I give this movie a 10/10 rating.

A wealthy family is torn apart by being dysfunctional. Yes, it happens in the best of families.Kirk and Michael Douglas are the Brombergs-father and son, who are constantly bickering.As in real life, Kirk is the stroke victim and his wife is on dialysis. His oldest grandson is using drugs and talks like he belongs with characters who constantly use the term dude. At certain points, this actually became annoying.Mike is married to Bernadette Peters, who makes the most of her part, that of an angry wife, who confronts her husband when she finds panty hose in his coat pocket.Unfortunately, Grandma dies after one last dance with Grandpa. We've seen this cliché before. Even a demented Uncle Steve passes on. Morbid!The last half hour is where the film falls apart. Uncle Steve, a navy vet, is burned up on a boat by the Brombergs. Kirk recites Kaddish over the burning body which is offensive in the Jewish faith. Speaking of religion, a nice Seder is marred by family spats.While the burning is taking place, the teen Bromberg is busted for drugs but will beat the rap since no warrant was issued. Since when are police not aware of that? The younger son runs away with a girl from a 6th grade dance. She had been hanging around an older group of boys who confront them. Miraculously, our 6th grade boy beats the older boy as the 2 flee.The ending is ridiculous. Everyone almost kisses and makes up and goes to sleep saying goodnight to all. What's this, the Waltons?Retirement is for some people. I want to remember Kirk Douglas for "Champion," "Lust for Life," "The Bad and the Beautiful." I don't want to remember a poor script and a story that goes awry. One star for the effort and the second in honor of Douglas' long career.

The type of humor that brings tears to your eyes instead of the silliness that usually passes for comedy these days. I seriously enjoyed watching Michael and Kirk Douglas working together, found the material touching and poignant, and found myself caring deeply about the characters. I don't know about you, but that works for me.