Diamonds MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -2 1/2

Divorced sports writer Lance Agensky (Dan Aykroyd) has a strained relationship with his father, Harry (Kirk Douglas), as well as his teenage son Michael (Corbin Allred). But he decides his son needs to get to know his grandfather. So, Lance plans a trip for the three of them. However, former boxing champion Harry is recovering from a recent stroke and the death of his wife. Lances brother, Harrys caretaker, objects to the trip arguing that Harrys health is too fragile. But when Harry tells Michael a story about some diamonds hidden in Reno over 40 years ago, they decide to sneak out and go find the jewels. After convincing Lance, the three generations start off on the adventure. Not only could it lead to riches, but also provides a chance to change the dynamics of their relationships. The film marks the courageous return of Kirk Douglas to the big screen after his own stroke, which severely limited his speech abilities. While his return to acting is admirable, DIAMONDS lacks substantial plot or tension which dulls the sparkle.

DIAMONDS shows other admirable qualities in that the three Agenskys realize the importance of family ties and family history. It also shows that spending more time with people helps to understand them more clearly, which enables us to grow even closer. In spite of societys tendency to look down on the elderly and handicapped, both Lance and Michael discover Harrys real value is more than monetary. However, its obvious the family has misguided morals when the three visit a brothel together. Even worse, when Michael is discovered to be underage, Lance stands up for him and makes sure he becomes sexually experienced. Although the acts are implied, father and son both experience prostitutes. One woman reveals breast nudity, seen through her thin undergarment. Foul language clutters the dialogue on many instances as well, including 13 regular profanities and 4 s-words. Objectionable language and sexual content make DIAMONDS morally dark.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Miramax Films, 375 Greenwich, NY, NY 10013