You pick up the video box of "Fathers and Sons" and what do you see? The names Jeff Goldblum, Rosanna Arquette, Famke Janssen, Samuel Jackson on the cover, and a plot description that vaguely mentions a serial killer and something about psychic powers. And then you see the film and what do you get? An anti-drug/coming-of-age/father-and-son-relationship drama, where the killer/"psychic powers" plot angle seems to be an afterthought, and is resolved in a ludicrous "thriller" climax. The movie does have its pluses: good-looking cinematography, some offbeat touches, a fairly good performance by the kid, the interest of seeing a very beautiful pre-"Goldeneye" Famke Janssen in her first movie role. But mostly it's slow, meandering and blah, and apart from Goldblum (who is the lead) all the other actors I mentioned above are wasted in throwaway roles. (**)
11 Reviews
Like father, like son
Rob-7725 April 2000
Made prior to Goldblum's recent biggies, Fathers & Sons is one that the actors would probably rather forget. At it's heart is the evaluation of the relationship between a father and his son as they both attempt to master their own personal demons. But it is the annoying 'mysterious stranger' and other red herrings that had me grabbing for the fast forward button. At 45 minutes too long, I'd recommend Goldblums classic 'Into the Night' any day.
A father struggles to repair a damaged relationship with his son.
harvestmoonfilms11 February 2002
While the film's heart is in the right place, the producers should have spent more time in the editing room. If you're a Jersey shore fan, you might wanna see this flick about damaged relationships, broken dreams, and a serial killer terrorizing a small beach community. For Michael Disend (Clown in Babylon, A (1999)) fans, this is his first film, and a must!
A very disappointing movie indeed:(
Movie Nuttball26 September 2003
With Jeff Goldblum being the star I thought this was going to be a dark murder mystery but I was very disappointed with this movie. I don't know if the movie tried to be a moral movie about don't do drugs, talk to your parents if you have something bad on your mind, or a murder mystery? Why was other top notch actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, John C. McGinley, and Famke Janssen used in the film? McGinley was uncredited and I don't know why? What was really the purpose of having Rosanna Arquette as the psychic? All four had such short roles in the film. Through out the beginning is all there was the big talk about the chew and didn't find out what the chew is until the middle. I really don't know what I watched. Jeff Goldblum performed very well. If you must watch this movie prepare for a hundred minute boring fest! If you are not sure about renting the film or not don't let the box fool you! Avoid it no matter what you do! Though if you want to see another Goldblum movie however watch the superior Mister Frost!
Dorky and Dorkier
rbrb17 December 2003
Where I am there are several cable TV channels showing 24 hours of movies; the majority of the movies shown are total rubbish, which to the torture of prospective viewers are repeated ad nauseam. This movie is high up on the rubbish list. The opening scene is a dorky son talking to himself and then the dorkier father doing the same.And talking nonsense at that. After half an hour of complex plots and sub-plots,going no-where except into confusion, plus a half-hearted and artificial 'make it up as I go along' bunch of ham actors, a script that has hardly any semblance of reality, I switched this garbage off. Who on earth in their right mind would finance drivel like this???!!!! 1 out of 10.
An underrated film that's a mystery in and of itself
ja-191-28046516 July 2016
In this 1992 film, Jeff Goldblum and Rory Cochrane star as a father and son who, despite having a somewhat strained relationship, are bought together by a strange and dangerous ordeal. Directed by Paul Mones, the film takes place in a Jersey beach town where most people seem to live normal, ordinary lives. Right from the start, Max and Ed are very intuitive. They're both in touch with their feelings and the world around them. But its the eerie presence of a mysterious shore killer with an uncanny appearance that causes them to feel on edge and drift into an imaginary world. As the killer encounters Max and Ed at different times, they begin to have moments of ESP. The killer seems drawn to Max and Ed in a way that's creepy and unsettling. He appears out of nowhere and always manages to be in the same place at the same time. When Eddie is attacked in the end, its Max's sudden intuition that saves his life.
The dialogue between the characters is good. In addition, the dialogue that was read from the book "Cats & Dogs" was very intriguing. The author of the book whose name is Isaac is someone not heard of by any of the characters, although its possible that the author might be the killer himself. As several of the characters recite passages from the book, it becomes clear that what they're reading is having a dynamic effect on them. The art of communicating without speaking and "joining a universal community" are themes from the book. Its great to see the characters particularly Ed develop a deeper understanding of what these ideas are about even though the intentions of the author are ominous and insincere.
The relationship between Max and Ed is good to watch Both of them are connected in such a way that is deep and profound. Its wonderful how Max's sudden intuition bought them closer together in the end. Jeff Goldblum is great as the loving father trying to establish a closer bond with his son. Rory Cochrane gives a decent performance as the distant and somewhat rebellious teenage son.
Through solid directing, Paul Mones does a fantastic job in demonstrating the mental and emotional similarities between Max and Ed. In addition, he not only shows how meaningful any relationship can be but he also shows how tragedy can bring a family closer together, forcing them to love and appreciate each other a lot more.
The dialogue between the characters is good. In addition, the dialogue that was read from the book "Cats & Dogs" was very intriguing. The author of the book whose name is Isaac is someone not heard of by any of the characters, although its possible that the author might be the killer himself. As several of the characters recite passages from the book, it becomes clear that what they're reading is having a dynamic effect on them. The art of communicating without speaking and "joining a universal community" are themes from the book. Its great to see the characters particularly Ed develop a deeper understanding of what these ideas are about even though the intentions of the author are ominous and insincere.
The relationship between Max and Ed is good to watch Both of them are connected in such a way that is deep and profound. Its wonderful how Max's sudden intuition bought them closer together in the end. Jeff Goldblum is great as the loving father trying to establish a closer bond with his son. Rory Cochrane gives a decent performance as the distant and somewhat rebellious teenage son.
Through solid directing, Paul Mones does a fantastic job in demonstrating the mental and emotional similarities between Max and Ed. In addition, he not only shows how meaningful any relationship can be but he also shows how tragedy can bring a family closer together, forcing them to love and appreciate each other a lot more.
Spare yourself ...
av_m27 August 2022
Spare yourself the pretension on this one.
You'll know in the first couple of minutes - when there is an excruciatingly tedious camera pan thru the home set to a soap-opera-worthy piano accompaniment - that it's not gonna be good; ever heard the term "engaging"? Well this one's the antonym.
Goldblum's basically just playing Goldblum, still again.
It's so bad there are frequent character voice overs - underscored by a sparring saxophone and oboe trills - to make sure to explain to you how "sensitive" these male characters all are in their inner most thoughts.
Of course, since it is basically a male story, and most of the main male characters are wusses, in all male bonding moments - in bars and all, don't you know - they start completely unnecessarily swearing and spewing sexually disparaging language like he-man sailors, or at least the probably solidly suburban-bred scriptwriters' idea of such - while jovially slapping street guys heartily on the back, but not too hard.
It's all awful - the story is ridiculous, the acting is SOOO self-aware, the script is painfully stilted - it's all just awful.
Spoilers? Why bother, the whole's thing's just rancid.
So, guess what, I don't recommend this one. Lol :-)
You'll know in the first couple of minutes - when there is an excruciatingly tedious camera pan thru the home set to a soap-opera-worthy piano accompaniment - that it's not gonna be good; ever heard the term "engaging"? Well this one's the antonym.
Goldblum's basically just playing Goldblum, still again.
It's so bad there are frequent character voice overs - underscored by a sparring saxophone and oboe trills - to make sure to explain to you how "sensitive" these male characters all are in their inner most thoughts.
Of course, since it is basically a male story, and most of the main male characters are wusses, in all male bonding moments - in bars and all, don't you know - they start completely unnecessarily swearing and spewing sexually disparaging language like he-man sailors, or at least the probably solidly suburban-bred scriptwriters' idea of such - while jovially slapping street guys heartily on the back, but not too hard.
It's all awful - the story is ridiculous, the acting is SOOO self-aware, the script is painfully stilted - it's all just awful.
Spoilers? Why bother, the whole's thing's just rancid.
So, guess what, I don't recommend this one. Lol :-)
EXCELLENT MOVIE! Highly recommended!
erniem197012 March 2004
I cannot believe how some critics or people want to rate this movie bad or think they can judge it poorly in their ignorant understanding of it. Are people today just scared or turned off by any kind of real or tender feelings or understanding of depth in life and emotion? It seems those that did not think good about this movie does. This was one of the very best movies I have ever seen, right up there with all my other favorites. The feeling and atmosphere was awesome and touching and the acting by Jeff was the very best he has ever done and everyone that saw the movie with me thought so as well. Many will never understand this movie and I feel very sorry for you that you do not. This is a classic that is underrated. I have seen it MANY times and can totally relate. Do not think you understand something when you do not because you have no place or business even thinking you do and giving it a false negative rating. I bought this digital video disc as soon as it was released. It was much better than most of the critically acclaimed movies and the music soundtrack was very good, which helped the movie a lot. Kudos to the director who took the risk to tell it like it is. Thank you.
great movie
yuntielingunoo23 October 2001
Unique, rare and special movie with great music
erniecolorado118 August 2012
I do not like to look at ratings or reviews most of the time, because they are usually from people who simply look at the box cover, actors or are close-minded. Usually very out-of-touch and emotionless viewers also who will never get or understand a movie like this. I have seen it several times, and along with the beautiful piano piece during the beginning, and John Gorka's "I'm From New Jersey" at the end credits, the movie is very mysteriously beautiful and human. This is made for those who have been through events or things in their life that few, if any will grasp or understand. I am also a Christian, and I get some of the symbolism and meanings of human love, heartaches, loneliness and the need for togetherness. I like the way there is narration, and a sense of longing and falling into the scenes. Timeless movie that is hard to find on DVD, since it was originally VHS, being in 1992. I have the rare laser disc print and the DVD, along with the VHS.
Hidden Gem
willis-0225625 June 2022
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