In his latest romantic comedy, The Other Sister, director Garry Marshall creates a sweet bond between two mentally challenged Gen-Xers searching for their place in the world—and in their families.
After years at a private school, Carla Tate must reconnect with her historically distant, now extremely protective parents. On her quest for independence and dignity, she meets Daniel, a mildly retarded young man who has freedom, but lacks a loving, supportive family. The pair hit it off. They share an innocent social awkwardness that blooms into friendship and devotion.
The Other Sister deftly portrays caring parents struggling to release a child they’re not confident is capable of stepping into adulthood (a universal anxiety). Furthermore, the movie—which includes very few profanities—deserves credit for exalting kindness, unconditional love, patience and the institution of marriage.
Unfortunately, the film also features a subplot boldly advocating the tolerance of lesbianism. In fact, sexual themes and candid anatomical dialogue are its biggest drawback. The most disappointing scene finds Carla and Daniel’s hormonal curiosity (fueled by reading The Joy of Sex and watching The Graduate) landing them in bed together.
The Other Sister has a good heart. It salutes family unity and maximizing one’s potential. But fuzzy sexual morals make it inappropriate viewing.
