Audience Member
What therapy would you recommend for the typical dysfunctional family? Richard Tucker (Marty Lathrop), blue-collar mechanic, husband, and father of three grown boys, seemed to have found a solution. It began with an arm-twisting proposal from his boss, Mr. Glassbrook (Lou Kreiner). It is a company-paid trip to a family therapy camp. Richard's job is depending on his acceptance of Glassbrook's offer with a dangling promotion as an incentive.
The opportunity provides Mr. Tucker something additional, to prove his manhood to his domestically overworked spouse (Kim Decker) and sons. He has been so uncaringly alienated from his family; his wife held back, revealing their youngest son, Joel's secret marital proposal to Alexa. In an early scene, it appears Mary desires to twist off her wedding ring and toss it. Her dissatisfaction of her current life and disapproval of Richard are evident.
Rather than telling them the truth, Richard lies to his clan including Grandpa (Terry Norris), step-daughter, toddler grandson, and son's fiancée. He recruits his zany co-worker Bill (Ken Morris) to pretend to be their camp-assigned therapist. When the household realizes they been tricked, Richard, in very humorous ways, is served their punishing response. Later, when possible forgiveness is surfacing, another revelation wreaks havoc for the remorseful Richard.
Tucker Therapy is a sweet, witty, and active comedy, maintaining its engaging pace from start to finish. Although deception is in the plotline, the film's hardy morally offensive is often funny. Unfortunately, the comedy can be pushy and exerted so much the actors' facial muscles are noticeable. Mr. Glassbrook is a top choice for the movie's most irritating character performed at a high pitch by Kreiner. Thank goodness he's in just a few scenes. Then you have Ron, who Morris physically-emotionally overacts inside the diner almost til his head may explode. At times the principal characters go a bit high wire, although, for the most part, their performances are favorable.
The movie can be silly-strained; two characters fussed over the last pudding cup consumed. Conscious concerns exist, Richard is threatened with firing if his family does not complete a week at camp therapy. The device might have worked in films decades ago, but not so today. Nowadays, an employer faces legal consequences if he gives the mere impression of illegitimate termination. Also, a character swims in her clothes-twice. Okay, the first time might be sudden fun, the second time it's odd and troubling if not unnecessary.
Despite the movie's flaws, star-director-writer, Stephen Krist's talent is displaying. The film has numerous thriving scenes with terrific timing. Krist's characters are well-developed and appealing. As a suburban family, many viewers may unquestionably relate to them, mainly middle-class America. Stephen portrays Jack, Richard's oldest son, in an excelling comic performance reflective of a young Tom Hanks. Lathrop, Decker also contribute convincingly with other actors.
Stephen's brother, Luke has music-scored and photographed the film expertly. His other sibling, David Krist co-stars and serves on the film crew. Amazingly, the Krist brothers released two, feature films within a year. Tucker Therapy is a promising sign of future accomplishments. (The movie is PG for potty humor, recreational peril, comic aggression, a man appears briefly in boxer's shorts, marital relations are hinted, not seen, and there are some, rude expressions)
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/15/23
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