Paternity
Paternity

Movie spotlight

Paternity

1981
Movie
94 min
English

Buddy Evans manages events at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He is a confirmed bachelor who lives with his housekeeper Celia. After coming into contact with several children, Buddy decides that he is ready to be a father. Buddy decides to hire a surrogate mother in the hope of having a son.

Insights

IMDb5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes22%
Director: David SteinbergGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Bud has it all: a successful career as a basketball team owner and plenty of women. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when a beautiful woman, Samantha, appears and reveals that Bud is the father of her unborn child. Faced with impending fatherhood, Bud grapples with his bachelor lifestyle and the responsibilities that come with it.

Critical Reception

Paternity received largely negative reviews from critics, who found the plot predictable and the humor forced. While Burt Reynolds' performance was sometimes noted, the film struggled to find an audience and is often considered one of his weaker efforts.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film suffers from a clichéd premise and uninspired execution.

  • Burt Reynolds' signature charm is unable to salvage the weak script.

  • The romantic comedy elements feel forced and lack genuine chemistry.

Google audience: Audience reception for Paternity is generally lukewarm, with many viewers finding the story predictable and lacking in comedic or dramatic impact. Some appreciate Burt Reynolds' efforts, but it's not considered a standout film in his career.

Fun Fact

Burt Reynolds was reportedly unhappy with the film's script and directorial choices during production, leading to some friction on set.

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