
Parents
Seen it?1989 | 82 min | Horror, Comedy
Why it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a box office loss and a lukewarm 5.9 out of 10 from audiences, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and horror fans. If you loved Fright Night, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Scary.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 22 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
Michael is a young boy living in a typical 1950s suburbanite home... except for his bizarre and horrific nightmares, and continued unease around his parents. Young Michael begins to suspect his parents are cooking more than just hamburgers on the grill outside, but has trouble explaining his fears to his new-found friend Sheila, or the school's social worker.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
64% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
5.9 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Independent Spirit Award.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$871K worldwide on a $3 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 19K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
More like this
Fright NightSaturday SpecialAnother horror comedy, and a Saturday Special.
The People Under the StairsSunday Safe BetAnother horror comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
InsidiousSunday Safe BetAnother horror film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
CobwebWeeknight WatchAnother horror film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
A Haunted House 2Monday Morning MaybeAnother horror comedy. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Bob Balaban
- Randy QuaidNick Laemle
- Mary Beth HurtLily Laemle
- Sandy DennisMillie Dew
- Bryan MadorskyMichael Laemle
- Juno Mills-CockellSheila Zellner
- Kathryn GrodyMiss Judith Baxter
- Deborah RushMrs. Gladys Zellner
- Graham JarvisMr. Marty Zellner
- Helen CarscallenGrandmother
- Warren Van EveraGrandfather