Getting Even with Dad

Getting Even with Dad

Year: 1994

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Howard Deutch

ComedyCrimeFamily

Con artist Ray Gleason's latest scheme goes wrong when his estranged son, Timmy, unexpectedly appears. Forced to spend quality time together as Timmy blackmails him, Ray finds himself navigating amusement parks and baseball games while trying to evade detective Theresa Walsh. The reluctant father and son must bond while Ray deals with the fallout from his latest heist.

Getting Even with Dad (1994) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Getting Even with Dad (1994) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a world where quick wit and shady deals are as commonplace as sunrise, the film paints a bustling urban backdrop that feels both mischievous and oddly tender. The pace moves with the rhythm of street hustlers and everyday families, blending sly humor with an undercurrent of yearning. Light‑hearted moments sit side‑by‑side with the more serious shadows of a life lived on the edge, creating a tone that is equal parts roguish charm and heartfelt longing.

_ Ray Gleason_ is a seasoned con artist who has grown comfortable navigating the gray zones of legality with a grin and a silver tongue. He’s accustomed to working alone, his plans as polished as the lies that fund them. When his estranged son, _ Timmy_, unexpectedly shows up, the carefully built walls around Ray’s world begin to wobble. Timmy, a bright yet restless kid, arrives under circumstances that force the two into a reluctant partnership, setting the stage for an uneasy but compelling reunion.

The unexpected father‑son duo finds themselves thrust into a series of impromptu outings—amusement parks, baseball games, and other slice‑of‑life adventures—that feel both absurd and oddly sincere. Their interactions are peppered with playful blackmail, as Timmy leverages his sudden control over Ray’s schedule to carve out moments of genuine connection. Meanwhile, a determined law‑enforcement presence, embodied by the sharp and unobtrusive Detective Theresa Walsh, watches from the sidelines, adding a subtle layer of tension that hints at consequences looming just out of view.

At its core, the story explores the messy, unglamorous path toward family reconciliation, set against a backdrop of a city that never sleeps and never stops scheming. The chemistry between Ray and Timmy, colored by humor, skepticism, and a nascent hope for something steadier, invites the audience to wonder whether old habits can truly be broken—or if new ties will simply become the next clever con.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:33

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Mischief-led family reunions like Getting Even with Dad

Whimsical schemes that bring estranged family members together for adventure.If you liked the playful blackmail and bonding adventures in Getting Even with Dad, this thread showcases similar movies where a child's clever scheme brings an estranged family together. Discover heartwarming comedies filled with quality time, gentle life lessons, and a happy, family-focused resolution.

playfulheartwarmingmischievousfamily-friendlyupliftingreconciliatoryadventurous

Narrative Summary

These stories typically begin with an estranged relationship, often between a parent and child. A mischievous act by the child—like blackmail or a clever plot—creates a situation where the parent is forced to spend quality time with them. The narrative unfolds through a series of shared, often comedic, experiences that gradually break down barriers, leading to understanding, reconciliation, and a positive change in the parent's priorities.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their unique blend of a lighthearted, family-friendly conflict engine (the child's scheme), a steady pace focused on character bonding, and an ultimately uplifting emotional journey centered on reconnection and forgiveness, all wrapped in a low-stakes, playful tone.

Lighthearted crime capers with heart like Getting Even with Dad

Low-stakes heists and cons that serve as a backdrop for personal growth.Fans of Getting Even with Dad will enjoy this collection of gentle crime comedies. These films feature bumbling cons and low-stakes heists that aren't about danger, but about the humorous situations and character growth they inspire, often leading to a positive moral choice and a happy ending.

playfulheartwarmingmischievousbumblingredemptiveupliftinglow-stakes

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist engaged in a comically inept or low-stakes criminal endeavor. This plot is quickly upstaged by a more important personal journey, such as reconnecting with family or rediscovering their morals. The crime creates amusing obstacles and misunderstandings, but the real focus is on the protagonist's emotional arc, which culminates in them choosing relationships or honesty over the ill-gotten gains.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific tone mix: the excitement of a caper plot is balanced by a complete lack of real menace, ensuring the viewing experience remains light and cheerful. The crime serves the character's story, not the other way around, resulting in an uplifting and funny feel.

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Getting Even with Dad Summary

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Getting Even with Dad Summary

Getting Even with Dad Timeline

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Getting Even with Dad Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Getting Even with Dad

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Getting Even with Dad

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