Because it speaks to a terror that lurks deep within our memories, Parents has the potential to be a great horror film. But it never knows quite what to do with its inspiration.

Actor Bob Balaban's directorial debut "Parents," while black enough to suit the most morbid taste, is woefully unfunny.

If the horsemeat scare hasn't put you off eating beef, then Close Encounters actor-turned-director Bob Balaban's grim horror comedy certainly will.

rises to a few effective shock moments while offering up a blunt analysis of the American dream. Something original in the horror canon, it isn’t quite as literate as might be expected, but it’s ideal fare for horror fans who want to dine off-menu.