It Runs in the Family is a 2003 American comedy-drama film directed by Fred Schepisi and starring Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas, and Cameron Douglas, as well as Michael's son, Dylan Douglas, in his acting debut. The film explores the complex dynamics of a multi-generational family living in New York City and their attempts to reconcile their differences and come together.
Michael Douglas plays Alex Gromberg, a successful lawyer and family man who struggles to balance his career and his relationships with his wife, Rebecca (Bernadette Peters), his teenage son, Asher (Cameron Douglas), and his father, Mitchell (Kirk Douglas), a retired judge who is starting to show signs of aging. As the family faces a series of unexpected challenges, including Asher's arrest and Mitchell's health issues, they are forced to confront their own flaws and learn to work together.
Throughout the film, the Gromberg family engages in witty banter and lighthearted moments, but also tackles difficult topics such as infidelity, substance abuse, and the challenges of aging. As the story unfolds, the family members are forced to re-examine their priorities and​ learn to forgive each other's mistakes.
Ultimately, It Runs in the Family is a heartwarming exploration of family ties, the complexities of life, and the enduring strength of the love that holds us together.
