The Thing About My Folks (2005) Online

I saw this film back at the 2005 Palm Springs International Festival and of the 14 films I saw there I would rank this #4. The 900+ theater was full and at the end it received a standing ovation. This was classic Peter Falk if you are a Falk fan and displayed a lot of chemistry between the Peter Falk and Paul Reiser characters. The film's title seemed to long and too odd sounding to me. I am surprised this didn't make it into general release. This was far better than the majority of junk that the major studios throw at you. Maybe too adult in that it was geared to the baby boomer and senior audience. A lot of people could relate to situations in this movie. This will probably enjoy a revival of sorts years from now when people look back at this film and consider it a kind of a gem. I would rate this 8.0 to 8.5 on a scale of 10 and definitely recommend it.

I saw the film at the Nashville Film Festival. It was beautifully done, from cinematography to the acting. It's the story of a father and son, and how they come to appreciate each other during a family crisis. Beautifully written with dialog that never rings false, the film showcases the acting talents of Paul Reiser and Peter Falk, among others in this outstanding cast. The film begins with the aging father (Peter Falk)is trying to figure out why his wife (Olympia Dukakis) has left him. The father presents himself, unannounced, on the doorstep of his son and daughter-in-law. The father and son take off the next day to look at some property and end up taking a classic road trip. They fish, play pool, watch a baseball game, get drunk, get involved in a barroom brawl, and dance with strange women. But more important, they each confront the unspoken tensions that can affect any family. It's the kind of film that touches the heart and makes one appreciate those who are closest to them.

"The Thing About my Folks" came in as a surprise. We had no idea about what to expect. The film directed by Raymond DeFelitta, and based on a screen play by one of its stars, Paul Reiser, proved to be a pleasant time at the movies. Although the film is predictable and we know what will be the outcome, this is a voyage of discovery where Ben gets to know his father, perhaps for the first time in his life, Ben sees his father for what he really is, and not the mythical figure he has in his mind.

The film seems to be a vehicle for its star, Peter Falk, and he runs away with the movie, as it was expected. Mr. Falk, one of the most endearing actors working in movies in this era and in past years, is an actor of such stature, he must be reckoned with. As Sam Kleinman, the distant father to Ben, he is a man that clearly is misunderstood, not only by Ben, but it appears by the whole family and his wife of forty-seven years.

When Muriel, the matriarch of the Kleinman clan, runs away, everyone goes into a panic because this woman, who has been the strong figure of the family, is vital to keep everyone together. Not knowing where she has gone, Sam shows up at Ben's house confused as he feels abandoned, suddenly, by the woman he married and has been faithful for all those years.

Ben, the youngest son, takes his father on a trip to look for a house he wants to buy so he can get his own family out of Manhattan into the country. The trip provides the excuse for Ben to bond with his father in ways he never knew about because the old man had always projected an aloof figure to his younger son. Along the way, father and son realize how much they love one another and how misunderstood the old man has been by his children. The love of Sam for Muriel spans the many years they have known one another; they seem inseparable.

Peter Falk is magnificent in the film. He makes an excellent Sam Kleinman, the man who suddenly realizes his life is about to change for the worst. Mr. Falk shines as the older man and there's never a false movement in his interpretation of the man whose whole world is crumbling under him.

Not being a Paul Reiser fan, we must confess that as Ben Kleinman, he is right. Ben and his father discover how much in common they both have and their love for Muriel, the mother that has sacrificed her life in order to keep the family together. Olympia Dukakis is only seen at the end of the film. She makes a good contribution as the fleeing mother. Elizabeth Perkins plays Rachel with great style..

The film has a beautiful look thanks to the cinematography of Dan Gillham, and the excellent musical score by Steven Argila. Ultimately, the film shows a great team effort between its director, Mr. DeFelitta and Paul Reiser who wrote it for the screen.

Although this film is clearly targeted for an older audience, it should please anyone.

We saw the film this evening (not my first choice) and I was very pleasantly surprised. Kudos to Paul Reiser; this is not a made for TV movie, nor is it going straight to rental. Peter Falk should get an Academy Award nomination for his wonderful performance. The scenery of upstate NY is also beautiful and fits the movie. The film covers several tracks-father- son, mother- dad, and husband- wife. The whole family relationship thing is covered. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll recommend it to your 40 plus friends. Not a date movie. Peter Falk needs more work; his talent has been under utilized. Bottom line, the "Thing About My Folks" is I loved it and so will you.

I also viewed this film at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. It was an excellent film about adult family relationships. Paul Reiser wrote the film and included some similarities to his family. It was funny, warm, poignant, and moving, as well as entertaining. A film like this would do very well with the word of mouth reviews. I would definitely tell my friends and family to see this film. Let's only hope they'll have the chance. I would rate this film as one of the best movies I've seen in a year. It contains no violence, action scenes, murders, sex, so evidently distributors question whether or not to pick it up. Believe me, there are people out there who would love to go see a movie like this that has redeeming value, instead of the many typical big box office blockbusters we are usually given.

We just returned from a showing of "The Thing About My Folks" at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, and couldn't help pondering why this film does not have national distribution. Peter Falk's performance of the father was sheer genius. Paul Reiser's script was insightful and very tender. The cinematography was breathtaking:What could be more beautiful than autumn in upper New York State with the the changing of the leaves. (Especially as seen from the seat of a 1936 Ford). If this finally does get national distribution, I'm certain Peter Falk will be up for some kind of acting award. His depiction of the 'father who worked too hard' was brilliant. My husband and I laughed and cried. At a time when war rages abroad, it's such a relief to see a film with no car chases, explosions, and senseless gun battles. This was a lovely film. Good luck to the creators.

So fortunate were we to see this fantastic film at the Palm Springs International Film festival. Upon entering the theater we were handed a small opinion card that would be used for our personal rating of the film. Looking at the card I turned to my wife and said, "How many movies in your life do you think you can rate as superb? Only about 5 for me." But then watching the interaction between Peter Falk and Paul Reiser while viewing the spectacular scenery in the film's setting of New York state, I slowly starting bumping the movie up a category at a time. Certainly it was good but the totally natural repoire of the actors and an award winning performance by a man who will unfortunately probably be remembered for a raincoat wearing detective rather than this film, the movie jumped to the excellent level.

By the end of the film there were few dry eyes in the house and my usually stoic and callous heart melted just like the Grinch's and I ended up giving this a superb.

This picture is a must for anyone who has parents. No violence or nudity but some strong language.

Meh. This will not go down in history as a memorable movie. At least not for me it won't. The only thing memorable about it would be Peter Falk's less than masterful overdoing of the Jewish father schtick. And I generally have quite a soft spot for Peter Falk...

The movie overall was OK, but just in the most general sense. The plot line started out interesting but fizzled badly in the end. No real strength to the whole story. Paul Reiser did not do his best work here either. I don't think any of the actors really meshed with each other. Instead of telling a story, they kept kind of acting "at" each other. There was a woodenness about the whole effect. Even the great Olympia Dukakis could not get into her character's groove. And you only saw her for about ten minutes at the very end. But it's the worst acting I've ever seen from her, ever. Which isn't saying much, I know, because she is otherwise a fabulous actress. Let's just say her acting in this probably embarrassed all her acting coaches. It was not good.

Elisabeth Perkins was pretty, as usual, but completely lacked character or depth. The few witty lines she was given somehow just didn't make the cut either. They all fell kind of flat. You somehow knew they were meant to be funny, but just couldn't see the actual funny part for yourself.

All in all, a pretty ho-hum little movie that I would never take the time to watch again.

Peter Falk is a diverse and accomplished actor. The movie is well written and the acting seems like real life. For all lovers of Columbo this is a superior piece of work. Because it shows what a talent Peter Falk is. He doesn't play a detective he plays a retired carpet salesman. By the time the credits begin to role you already want to watch it again. The interesting part of the movie is that the message will apply to every person that watches it; the depth of its' pertinence will be the only thing that varies. It is a shame that the liberals in Hollywood only promote smut and skin because this is the type of movie that the people in the business should be proud of. This would be a great movie to turn into a live stage play.

I was looking through the movie listings in my area on yahoo and seen a movie that had not been advertised. I looked closer and noticed that Peter Falk and Paul Reiser were in it. Having watched "Mad about you", once, I was not a fan of Paul Reiser. However, I am a big fan of Peter Falk. So the spouse and I took a chance. We were both swept into this story. The beautiful scenery, the heartfelt acting and the sense of family and moral values that are seldom seen in movies and the world today. Not that sappy emoted junk, but real life situations from real life-like people. I even have to say, Paul Reiser was excellent, although, I still won't watch "Mad about you". I don't know where this movie has gone. I heard it was put out in limited release. It should be shared with the world. It is one of the finest movies I have seen. M.

This film is one of those that has a resounding familiarity to it. It is earthy, grounded and a film that will make you think...and smile. Paul Reiser and Peter Falk take you on a journey that you will not forget. The soundtrack is beautifully varied and fitting; and the film itself is like a breath of fresh air. This surely deserves recognition for both the film and the actors! Finally, a piece of art that departs from the obvious love story and the frequent special affects that are seen today. Never have I walked out from a movie with such deep warmth and feeling of thoughtfulness in my heart; for it felt as if someone had just wrapped it in a fluffy fleece blanket. To see this film is to find a real treasure and delight in it.

Paul Reiser steps away from the standup comedy spotlight to write a warmly humorous and gently tender story about family - what we see and what we don't see, what we expect and what surprises us. THE THING ABOUT MY FOLKS doesn't set any new standards for film, but it is a fine little story well told that reminds us about the significant bonds that family represents.

Sam Kleinman (Peter Falk) has been a workaholic, at times pushing his wife Muriel (Olympia Dukakis), his daughters (Mackenzie Connolly and Lydia Jordan), and his son Ben (Paul Reiser) into the background. One day Muriel leaves a note that after years of marriage she is leaving! Her daughters, along with Ben's wife Rachel (Elizabeth Perkins) immediately begin the search for her whereabouts, leaving the confused and hurt and disgruntle Sam to sort things out on a road trip with son Ben. The road trip becomes a time for the two men to learn who each other is and what they each mean to their status as father and son and as family members. Sam relaxes for the first time in his life and introduces the now workaholic Ben to the pleasures and fun of living. The trip comes to an end with a phone call about the whereabouts of Muriel and why she left and the regrouping of the wiser family draws the story's warm ending. All is not what it seemed: it's better and, well, different.

Falk and Reiser play off each other like the pros they are, but in many ways the film belongs to the brief moments when Olympia Dukakis is on screen, reminding us that she is one of our strongest matriarchs on film. Well worth viewing. Grady Harp

Mr. Paul Reiser has written a brilliant script. the photography adds at least a dozen memorable pictures that, I'm happy to say, are in frame a little bit longer than just one second, so we can really process them. The storyline is very simple: after Sam Kleinman (Peter Falk) shows his son Ben Kleinman (Paul Reiser) a letter from his wife telling him she has left him to break loose of her life, they end up spending time together driving through the country; they talk about their relationship, being a father, son and husband. Only a great storyteller could turn this into a story that is interesting and engaging in every scene. And that's just what happens. Even the set up of the story is full of recognizable details that will get you in the mood of family life with all it's little great and annoying moments. Their small scale adventure (with nice unexpected developments) in the outer world helps them to explore the vast inner world of their own hopes, regrets, dreams, sorrows and ambitions. Both of them deliver a very vivid, believable and at many times brilliant performance. As the two men get to see new sides of each other we learn also about their past and their wife/mother and her view on life. Watching the movie you can't help but compare the situations, emotions and points of view with those in your own life. The gentle pace leaves you space to ponder about your relationship with your own partner, with your parents and children. You will smile, laugh out loud, be moved, and cry a little bit at some points. it'll leave you deeply connected with life and its treasures and flaws. and might even inspire you to re-evaluate some of your relationships in order to turn them into a better version while you still have the opportunity.

What a TERRIFIC film... so poignant and totally REAL!!! It's a compelling story of the relationship between father and son, father and daughters, and husband and wife as experienced by this family across 3 generations. The genius of the story is that almost anyone can identify with each character, even though one is sometimes a jerk. It is full of humor. We found ourselves laughing out loud frequently and also shedding a few tears. Peter Falk and Paul Reiser did superb acting in this film, and, in my opinion, could successfully compete for Oscars!!! "The Thing About My Folks" shows so compassionately how husbands and wives, or parents and kids, can have deep and sometimes very painful misunderstandings. It gives us hope for our own families because we see how some of these misunderstandings get worked out. It shows us that a real family can seize an opportunity for communication and start healing those deep psychological wounds. This is a beautiful and amazing work of art. The packed audience in Santa Barbara loved it and left feeling good.

I saw some similarities to the Oscar-nominated film "Sideways" in that both films were at times quite funny but also had very poignant moments in how they portrayed men's emotions, which are often not expressed. But I definitely preferred "The Thing About My Folks!" The situations and emotions between fathers and kids and husbands and wives will touch millions more of us than the central situation in "Sideways" of cheating on one's partner the day before the wedding.

We saw "The Thing About My Folks" at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. I hope it gets a distributor so many more people can enjoy it as we did. I've already emailed all my friends to watch out for it.

A flawless movie; brilliantly written and acted. The depth of Reiser's understanding of the human experience across all age groups and sexes is amazing. One begins a thoroughly believable journey as the relationships within this family unfold. It's an intimate, funny, heart warming time with good people. Through the introduction of the characters and the development of the story one cares very much for these people and celebrates joyously the unfolding of the sweet father, son relationship as they see their lives in a new context. The ending is surprising, thoughtful and very satisfying. The photography is superb making the movie a joy to watch but the excellent writing can hold its own. It could be a stage play without losing a thing.

"The thing about my folks" is a touching and insightful film dealing with family relationships and provides a wonderful platform for the father (Falk) and son (Reiser) to interact with one another. It would have been a truly wonderful film but Reiser, who wrote the screenplay, chose to include continual flatulence gags and an unnecessary stream of profanity, which had me squirming uncomfortably in my seat. I can relate to many of the things that were covered in the film but I'd never use such profanity in a conversation with my father. If he had chose the higher ground and omitted the objectionable content I would've been able to whole heartedly recommended this motion picture to everyone I know but as it is I can't even watch it with my own family.

This film was maudlin and overly sentimental. Paul Riser performed very well. He seemed even greater next to an over the top performance from Peter Falk. I blame the director for not having Falk pull back a bit. The plastic surgery on his face and Elizabeth Perkins were very distracting. She looked like she had a chemical peel the morning of shooting and said, "Oh, they can cover it with makeup." The last scene of the movie had to have been added at the last minute because it was shot in Hi Def, unlike the rest of the movie. Very obvious. Very disappointing. Schlock. I also thought the music was overbearing and let to the general feeling of manipulation lacking artistic talent from the director.

Middle-aged family man gets saddled with his old windbag of a father after Mom writes a telling letter saying she's leaving her husband because he has destroyed their marriage. Blaming her spouse for her lifelong unhappiness doesn't seem to phase Pop, however; he doesn't recognize his own personal failings, neither with his wife nor his children. This sets the scene for many conference calls between the couple's talkative daughters, while father and son hit the road for an unintended journey of rediscovery. They do all the typical father and son things after buying a beautiful vintage car they find sitting idle in a junk heap: fishing, drinking, pool-playing, bar-fighting, country line-dancing...they take in a local baseball game and even get picked up by a comely co-ed and her vivacious mother. Paul Reiser co-produced, wrote and stars in this anemic comedy-drama, an unfunny dirge putting family therapy in the hands of those directly responsible--and once everyone is heard, the healing can begin! Braying Peter Falk is angrily defensive over his behaviors of the past and refuses to take responsibility for the family ill-will, while son Reiser incredulously repeats back everything Pop says. It's an endless argument that goes around and around until father and son collapse on a country hill at night, underneath the stars while a plaintive guitar plucks in the background, and Dad tells his son he's really an OK guy. Some audiences may actually buy this--they may also allow the bar-fight scene wherein Falk defeats a rowdy tough who welshes on a bet (both bully and son get a hit to the groin, that old comedy stand-by). Reiser has an open face and a nervous, half-inquisitive smile that shows you he's listening but is also thinking about something else; he reminds one of Albert Brooks (or the young Sydney Pollack when he was an actor), though Reiser's exasperated takes are like leftovers gimmicks from sitcom-land. Falk, shouting at the sky, is simply a mouthpiece for the other side; Reiser tells him that, just maybe, he wasn't a very fair or attentive husband, which sends Dad over the edge. These scenes of discord don't build out of anything natural--they are only present to give the movie an angry argument--while Falk displays such out-of-control mania, he's tough to shake off when the picture's mood suddenly turns 'cute'. *1/2 from ****

Did I mention this film is wonderful? This is a buddy movie men and women will love. Congratulations to the multi-talented Paul Reiser for his beautifully crafted script and performance. And for casting that national treasure, Peter Falk as the father he never really knew. All of the performances are terrific and the fall foliage scenery is exquisite. This is a rich and resonate comedy that is not afraid to explore the real, confusing, painful and hopeful terrain of love. So take this hilarious and heartfelt journey with this son and father. The sold out crowd at the Santa Barbara Film Festival gave THE THING ABOUT MY FOLKS a standing ovation. You'll feel like standing and cheering too.

It is just simply a great movie. It felt as though Paul Reiser had lived in my house. My family is Jewish like the one in the movie. So much of what they said and how they acted reminded me of days past and present. My father also worked too much and, "...didn't do his job." Unlike in the film, I didn't get an apology from my father, who walked out on my family six years ago. Watching it helped me put into words the events that took place. The faces and names were different and Peter Falk's character was much kinder then my father but the emotions were the same; how do you explain the void left when your love and life aren't acknowledged by the one you care for and who should care for you the most? This a movie that should be in theaters nation wide. Laughter through tears is always a good bet.

This should have been a movie about Sam and his wife, the glorious Peter Falk and equally glorious Olympia Dukakis. That would have been a movie worth seeing. Instead it's a Paul Reiser vehicle, with a little Falk thrown in. The wonderful Elizabeth Perkins is also in this movie, but you'd hardly know it. I presume Reiser is under the impression that he's a giant movie star who needs an appropriate vehicle. He's not. Even more galling is that Reiser took the trouble to hire some of the best women character actresses on the screen today and then shoved them all into his background. Dukakis does not show up until the last 15 minutes, but when she does, the screen glows. The story is about Falk and Dukakis really, but we're subjected to a pointless, silly, preposterous road trip in which Reiser gets to show how very cute, precious and oh-so-deep with psychological insight (wrong!) he can be. For instance, In a restaurant scene that I imagine Reiser had hoped was "Cassavetes-like" there's a laughably false confrontation between Reiser and Falk that is so patently ridiculous, I was embarrassed for Falk.

The Thing About My Folks is an independently created film written by Paul Reiser and is fortunate to have the very talented acting of Peter Falk. The movie was enjoyable. It was easy to watch. It had some terrific lines that the entire audience laughed at. Interestingly at the end-of the movie the entire audience broke out into applause.

This movie is a must see. Paul Reiser has a future in writing for the silver screen. Peter Falk gave his best performance as an actor.

The pace of the movie was upbeat and did not drag. The rating should be PG. The chemistry on screen of Falk and Reiser was interesting and obvious. This movie deserves serious attention and gets a 10 out of 10 vote from me.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Funny, sad, heartwarming, and thought provoking all in one movie. Peter Falk IS the part of the dad. And Olympia Dukakis could have easily been married to him for 40+ years. All the characters contributed to the entire movie and Paul Reiser really shows how creative and funny he can be with this screen play. The scenery of upstate New York with fall foliage changing and a beautiful classic Ford convertible only add to the dialog and entertaining experiences of the father and son in this movie. I look forward to seeing it again and recommending it to all my friends (I already have and they are saying, "when is it going to be out?") I've got to say that my only negative comment would be the use of the "f" word, which would prevent me from taking my parents to see the movie. And I know they'd enjoy it.

This movie could have been 15 minutes long if it weren't for all the bickering between son and father. Very predictable. Both Male "stars" need a good slap in the face! Would you like some cheese with that "whine?" Two chuckles...and a headache. I can understand why the mother left her hubby after 47 years...I don't know how she lasted that long! The first 5 minutes made me want to turn the movie off wishing I had never paid the $3.99 to watch it! The movie didn't flow well and was painfully long. I kept watching my watch hoping time would fly faster...It didn't. The script had so much repetition that it had to be easy for the writer to fill space. On a positive note...the scenery was pretty, fall being my favorite season. The car, the 40 Ford was also quite nice. This movie gets an D- rating approaching an F

It's a father - son relationship crap that goes nowhere and comes from nowhere.. Give me break..

They repeat a few times as a joke this : the disgusting old man farts.. is this the best you could do ? And you call this a comedy..

What, am I supposed to laugh when they go fishing and do nothing and say nothing ? You think that if some tits go near the old man's nose and he admits the tits are OK, that's funny ?

People, don't watch this crap ! Thir strongest joke is when the old man thinks that a girl with ripped pants is poor.. come on !

Someone just had to make a script around this old actor, with very low budget.. this movie made me feel like a bird being stuffed alive..

This movie is insulting because it assumes that we could watch anything and we're stupid enough to buy (or follow) any of their stupid meaningless hints, about life and relationships ..

This is the perfect example for the American style commercial, useless, stupid and insulting movie.