Paul Reiser wrote and stars in THE THING ABOUT MY FOLKS, although he graciously handed over the lead role to veteran screen star Peter Falk. Directed by Raymond De Felitta (CAFE SOCIETY), the film is ostensibly a road movie that allows Reiser to dig beneath the surface of a unique father-son relationship. Reiser plays Ben Kleinman, while Falk plays his dad, Sam. Together, they set off on a road trip after Ben learns his mom is leaving Sam, and has sketched out the reasons why in a hastily written letter. Ben decides a road trip is the best way to distract his father as various relatives unite to look for his missing mother, and the journey affords the two men the opportunity to bond in ways they have never previously managed. As Sam tells Ben stories about his 50 year relationship with his errant wife, De Felitta utilizes flashbacks to flesh out the history of their relationship, while Falk pours plenty of emotion into his re-telling of the family's history. The heavier segments of Sam's recollections are peppered with jokes to ease the tone of the film, adding a nice counterpoint to the portrayal of the Kleinman's as a highly dysfunctional unit. It's Falk who really shines throughout; easily cementing his reputation as one of the great, if somewhat unheralded American actors of his generation, THE THING ABOUT MY FOLKS is worth seeing for him alone. Reiser's script really allows the weathered actor a chance to shine, providing another welcome performance to add to Falk's impressive canon of films.

Theatrical Release: SEPTEMBER 16, 2005

DVD Features:

Keep Case
Full Frame
Widescreen 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Surround Stereo 2.0 English
Dolby Surround 5.1 English

Distributor Notes: Thing About My Folks, The

The Thing About My Folks is a heart warming tale of family bonds and enduring love. After 47 years of marriage, Ben's (Reiser) mother unexpectedly leaves her husband. With no where else to turn, Ben's father Sam (Falk) is forced to spend time and get to know his son. Hysterical antics ensue as Ben and Sam strengthen their father/son relationship while Ben helps his father rekindle the romance with his mother.

Source: Warner Home Video

Paul Reiser: American Actor/Comedian
Peter Falk: American actor, COLUMBO
Olympia Dukakis: Oscar Winning American actress, MOONSTRUCK, STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Elizabeth Perkins: American actress, WEEDS, FINDING NEMO
Lydia Jordan: Actor, SECRET LIVES OF DENTISTS (2003)

Raymond De Felitta: 

Paul Reiser: American Actor/Comedian
Robert Newmyer: Producer
Jeffrey Silver: Producer

Paul Reiser: American Actor/Comedian