And You Thought Your Parents Were Weird

And You Thought Your Parents Were Weird is a 1991 comedy film directed by Tony Cookson. The film is a unique blend of sci-fi, comedy and family drama, featuring Joshua John Miller, Edan Gross, and Marcia Strassman in the major roles.

The premise focuses on two young brothers, Josh and Max Carson, played by Joshua John Miller and Edan Gross respectively. Both are tech prodigies who find solace and escape in the world of robotics following the death of their father. Their mother, Sarah Carson (played by Marcia Strassman), juggles the demands of single parenthood, her career, and the challenges of raising two intelligent but emotionally vulnerable sons.

The story takes an unexpected turn when the boys instigate a venture to develop "Newman", an impressively designed and highly advanced robot. Newman is not only their representation of technological brilliance but also a projection of their longing for their deceased father. The imposing mechanoid is capable of countless practical functions, from mundane household chores to complex tasks. But the boisterous bot becomes more than just a metallic house-help when a bizarre incident coincides with its activation.

In a twist of fate, their father's spirit somehow gets imbued into Newman. The robot starts showing personality traits reminiscent of their father, and furthermore, begins to display a genuine paternal instinct towards the boys. This regretfully humorous scenario spirals when they realize their robot-dad literally cannot switch off, resulting in a ceaselessly caring and sometimes overbearing electronic parent, much to their chagrin, amusement and sometimes, relief.

The movie portrays an interesting dynamic among the family as they grapple with the sudden and peculiar shift in their life's rhythm. The brothers have to manage their secret from their mother, to protect her from the shock and further emotional turmoil. It becomes even more complicated when a greedy businessman, Walter Kotzwinkle (Stuart Pankin), enters the scene with an intention to exploit the boys' invention for his selfish gain. Simultaneously, a rather warm romance takes off between their mom and the nice-guy tech shop owner, Steve Franklin (John Quade).

Marcia Strassman offers a sincere performance as the perplexed and worried mother navigating her way through her sons' secrecy and the sudden presence of a new man in her life. Miller and Gross adorably portray the young prodigies juggling between the thrill of their successful invention and the dilemma it presents. Their performances give depth to the film's otherwise light-hearted narrative, establishing the underlying emotional core that this family drama relies on.

The film is filled with humorous moments owing to the circumstances, featuring the robot dad in various comical situations - creating laugh-out-loud sequences but also subtly highlighting the importance of family and the value of parenthood. It uses the classic family values, veiled under the shadow of humour and makes poignant observations about coping with loss, and the importance of honesty in relationships.

And You Thought Your Parents Were Weird has some quintessential elements of 90's filmmaking, with its nostalgic visual style and storytelling approach that is reminiscent of the era. The special effects used to create 'Newman' are intriguing, particularly when considering the time of the film's release.

Combining humor, science fiction, and family, the movie offers an engaging narrative that, despite its fantasy elements, feels grounded and realistic. At its heart, the film deals with ordinary people encountering extraordinary circumstances, creating a narrative that is both relatable and fantastically outlandish.

In conclusion, And You Thought Your Parents Were Weird is a unique family-friendly comedic sci-fi movie that hits the right balance of laughter and warmth. Its original premise, engaging character arcs, and a balanced mixture of comedy, family dynamics, and light-hearted science fiction make it a worthwhile watch for anyone looking for a trip down the nostalgia lane or a worthwhile weekend family viewing. Despite its quirky title, the film offers a charming exploration of family relationships, combined with a touch of supernatural and a healthy dose of comedy.