Yours, Mine and Ours…two versions to enjoy!

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Sometimes the most enjoyable comedic movies have elements of truth with which you can relate.  You just don’t want it too look too much like your own life or the ‘fun’ being sought by viewing a film is lost.
For years, we have enjoyed films that showcase other families with antics that make you feel like you are NOT alone in the realm of wackiness.

One such film (or should I say films!) that we have enjoyed watching multiple times is Yours, Mine and Ours.
We actually saw (and own a copy) of the ‘remake’ version before seeing the original.  Both share a common storyline of a widow and widower meeting and realizing they want to spend the rest of their lives with each other.  Both have the merged family give the Duggars a run for the money with a grand total of 18 kids between them. And, they both have the kids from each family doing their best to sabotage things.

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The original version (1968) stars Henry Fonda and Lucile Ball.  I’ll admit right now that I have never been a huge fan of I Love Lucy, so seeing her name on the billet would not have me seeking out a title to watch.  Instead, it was on the premise that sometimes the original is better than the remake that had me watch this version.  (Sort of how I approach movies based on a book…typically they fall short of the book.)

Now, this movie has no rating associated with it.  There are a few scenes that might be found objectionable for younger kids (e.g. a few of the boys spiking Helen’s drink to ‘scare her off’ which ends up making her quite drunk in short order.)  But, compared to so many options available today it seems downright tame.

The modern version changes several details from the original, possibly in an attempt to fit the movie into the times.  Unlike the 1968 version, the couple does not add to their brood.  Which is a shame as the birth of the child helped reaffirm the formation of the new family as complete.

Honestly, I can’t say that the 2005 remake is as good of a movie compared to the original.  But, it’s still a fun film to view on occasion.  If nothing else, seeing all the conflicts with the kids makes me feel a little better about those my boys have.  The rating for this one is PG for ‘mild crude humor.’  Both Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo did a good job in their roles, just not quite as good as Fonda and Ball did.

Now….I have to share that while pulling photos for this review off Netflix, I noticed a comment that has me adding to my reading list.  I had no idea that the 1968 movie was based on a book titled Who Gets the Drumstick by Helen Beardsley.  (The ‘mug’ on the reviewer that mentions this looks an awful lot like Red Green.  Wait, it IS Red Green.. at least I think it is after looking at my photo with him!)

This post has been submitted for inclusion in The Christian Home carnival (Issue 15)hosted by The Legacy of Home.  As the new featured columnist for the Movies and Music category, you can be looking forward to weekly posts on what we are watching or music we’ve enjoyed.