The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)

_**Amusing and warmhearted parody of the beloved show**_ Growing up in a dysfunctional family, I watched the original Brady Bunch because I secretly longed for a normal family. This 1995 movie pokes fun at the Brady's wholesome and unified spirit, but also highlights their early-70's outlandishness by having the story take place in the mid-90s. Yet the movie’s never meanspirited; there’s a welcome warmheartedness. Christine Taylor stands out as Marcia, although it's impossible to ever outdo the awesome Maureen McCormick. Jennifer Elise Cox also stands out as Jan, as does Gary Cole as Mike Brady. In the periphery, Marissa Ribisi is notable as Holly, who’s attracted to Peter, which says something in itself. Shelley Long is effective as Carol Brady, burdened by that absurd hairdo. The film is amusing if you're familiar with the original show. And who isn't? If you like this one, the 1996 sequel "A Very Brady Sequel" is even better. The film runs 90 minutes and was shot in the Los Angeles area. GRADE: B+/A-