THE PARENTING
Starring: Nik Dodani, Brandon Flynn, Brian Cox, Edie Falco, Lisa Kudrow, Dean Norris, Vivian Bang, and Parker Posey
Director: Craig Johnson
NICK
There is a sub-genre in comedy that I consider "intentionally cringe,” and I'll fully admit, I'm not overly a fan. This is where The Parenting fails, and even though I have disfavour towards the genre, I can still confidently say this isn't a good film. There are a couple one-liners from the talented ensemble that hit, but that's about it…unless you really enjoy some cringe. The characters are progressively irritating, and although The Parenting feels like it wants to be a parody, it never becomes one, which leaves it as another basic, kinda lame, forgettable direct-to-streaming film.
KATIE
I didn’t have high hopes going into The Parenting, but it ended up being one of the funniest horror comedies I’ve seen. The tone initially threw me off, but the irreverent, goofy humour and stellar performances quickly won me over. There are some misses, but the majority of the jokes land. In fact, they’re genuinely hilarious when they do, handled effortlessly by a cast that knows exactly how to deliver this kind of humour. Brian Cox, in particular, is a surprising bit of casting that pays off spectacularly. I can see myself returning to The Parenting if I need a good laugh.
ROBERT
I got the oddest juxtaposition of thoughts while watching The Parenting. I found myself laughing uproariously, but also, everyone working to make it enjoyable is way overqualified. It came off like a B-movie with A-list actors, propping up something that should’ve been better. It could be that I wasn’t as invested in the heart of the central relationship since it was built on less-talented individuals, but regardless, the quirky personalities of Parker Posey and all the parents kept it afloat. It is rewatchable because the humor hits at a high rate.
