Decoding "It Runs in the Family": More Than Just a Movie Title
Ever hear the phrase "it runs in the family"? You use it when little Timmy shows talent for opera at five, like grandma did. But "it" can be complicated family dynamics. Sometimes it's dysfunction passed down like a genetic trait. Enter "It Runs in the Family," a dramedy featuring the Douglas family: Kirk, Michael, and Cameron.
"It Runs in the Family" (The Douglas Version): A Family Affair... Of Sorts
This 2003 film showcases three generations of Gromberg men dealing with personal struggles. Grandpa Mitch (Kirk Douglas) suffers a stroke, prompting family bonding. His son Alex (Michael Douglas) faces a midlife crisis and fears becoming his distant dad. Meanwhile, Asher (Cameron Douglas) battles drug issues. They didn't plan for these mistakes, yet here they are with inherited baggage, waiting for therapy.
Kirk Douglas: A Titan, A Stroke, and a Legacy
Speaking of Kirk Douglas, let's explore his life. He lived 103 years, passing on February 5, 2020, in Beverly Hills. He witnessed wars and the rise of disco while starring in films. Stamina, indeed.
Now, about money. Kirk Douglas reportedly had a net worth of around $61 million. He left most of it to charity. While Michael Douglas is not broke, this move is bold. Imagine family dinners. "Dad, about the inheritance..." "Oh, the one for penguins? Pass the potatoes."
Life was not all fame for Kirk. In 1996, at 79, he had a stroke. It impaired his speech and caused partial paralysis. But Kirk refused to be sidelined. He focused on speech-language therapy and regained his ability to speak with limitations. His determination kept him acting. In 1999, he starred in "Diamonds," portraying an old boxer recovering from a stroke.
Kirk stood about 5 feet 9 inches tall (1.75 meters). Rumor has it; he wore lifts in shoes to appear taller. In Hollywood, height matters, especially beside John Wayne. Speaking of whom...
Born Issur Danielovitch, Kirk changed his name before World War II. Good move, Issur. "Kirk Douglas" sounds better for a star. He married Anne Buydens until she passed at 102! Together, they had four sons: Michael, Eric, Joel, and Peter—a lot of Douglas men! And judging by "It Runs in the Family," plenty of family therapy potential.
Kirk was known for being assertive. He attributed this to a tough childhood marked by poverty and an alcoholic father. Hurt people often hurt others, but it seems Kirk turned pain into drive, becoming an Oscar-winning star.
Even legends have squabbles. Kirk and John Wayne clashed on the set of "The War Wagon" due to differing politics. Yet, they found common ground and bonded by the end. Perhaps complaining about craft services brought them together.
"It Runs in the Family": More Than Just Genes
What does "it runs in the family" mean beyond being a catchy movie title? It's an expression for characteristics that show up over generations. Think musical talent or complicated relationships.
The phrase refers to hereditary traits passed down from parents to children. Related parents share genes and often pass on similar traits, both good and bad. This is why some families have everyone tall or prone to migraines.
For fancy synonyms for "hereditary," try these: congenital, inborn, and innate. Impress friends with "innate familial tendencies" at parties.
Hold on, What About THAT "It"? Pennywise and the Horror Show
Let's clear confusion with the other "It"—the terrifying clown causing trauma. In 1986, Stephen King wrote "It," a horror novel about a supernatural entity terrorizing Derry, Maine. This "It" is Pennywise, far darker than family dysfunction.
Pennywise isn't just an ordinary clown. He's a shape-shifting alien from another universe. He crash-landed on Earth millions of years ago and sleeps for long periods before feeding on fears every 25 to 28 years. He arrived near an asteroid impact in what would become Derry.
Is "It" true? No, thankfully! There's no evidence of fear-eating clowns anywhere. It's pure Stephen King's imagination—scary enough!
King's "It" adapted into films, notably "It" (2017) and "It Chapter Two" (2019). These films introduced Pennywise's terror to new generations, proving some fears are timeless.
Family Matters and Other Tangents
On family-themed titles, don't forget "All in the Family," the classic sitcom addressing social issues humorously. You can find Season 1 on Prime Video if you're nostalgic for 70s TV. Carroll O'Connor was 46 when the show started in 1971. Mickey Rooney was Norman Lear's first choice for Archie—a fun trivia! Imagine Rooney as Archie Bunker!
Idioms matter! "Look what the cat dragged in" means someone is dirty or unwelcome. And "black sheep of the family" refers to the rebel or troublemaker in the family. Every family has one.
Back to the Douglas family. Michael faced health issues, being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2010. Thankfully, he has been open about recovery and advocacy. Strength indeed runs in the family.
Random movie fact: there's a South African film about a reformed con artist and his transmasculine son road-tripping to liberate mom from rehab. Perfect for movie night brainstorming!
Lastly, a historical detour—Stephen Douglas was known as Little Giant. As a politician, he had mixed views on slavery but supported popular sovereignty—letting white men decide on slavery issues. Complex figure for a complex time and maybe a story for another day.
So whether your family has its own "it" or you enjoy watching the Douglas family navigate theirs, remember family is complicated and messy—sometimes like a horror movie but without the scary clown hopefully.
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