Morgan Stewart (Jon Cryer) was sent away to boarding school when he was ten years old. Now seventeen, he is surprised and touched when his parents (Nicholas Pryor and Lynn Redgrave), ask him to move home permanently. After he realizes he is only required at home to further his father's political career, Morgan decides that he will have a perfect family life, whether his parents like it or not.
This movie is really awful! If there ever was a case for a child to run away from home, this is it! The entire plot of the movie is depressing when it's supposed to be a comedy. Morgan's parents can't be bothered with their son. They are simply using him so they look presentable in their political and social circles. For seven years they didn't even bring him home for the holidays! While I was watching this movie, I kept wanting to scream, "Morgan, go back to your school! At least your friends care about you!"
I didn't really get Morgan's logic, either. He somehow decides that if he acts like a hired hand, his parents will love him. He waxes the floors, cleans the windows, etc. I suppose that these scenes were put in to add a little slapstick. It backfired-the scenes were not funny at all.
The only funny part of the movie is when Morgan and his parents attend a party, and Morgan admires a nude sculpture. Jay (Paul Gleason), a man who works for Morgan's father, notices Morgan staring at the work of art. He tells Morgan to act like he's enjoying himself at the party. Morgan continues to gawk at the sculpture, but now with a huge smile on his face.
This movie was directed by Alan Smithee. For those of you who didn't know, when a director is ashamed of a movie he's created, he asks to have his name removed from the film. The director's name is replaced with the name Alan Smithee. If you see this movie, you will understand why such a practice is performed in Hollywood.
Stars: Jon Cryer, Lynn Redgrave
Director: Alan Smithee (actually Paul Aaron and Terry Winsor)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Why You'll Know It's From the 80's:
Morgan's friend Emily's eclectic wardrobe
(She'd give Cyndi Lauper a run for her money!)Dog Appeal:
A statue on the Stewarts' fireplace depicts a loyal dog
walking alongside his master as his master rides a horseDaisy's Rating:
Home
