direct by diane keaton and adapt from a book by franz lidz . a young mother selma lidz ( andie macdowell ) be battle a very serious illness and her self proclaim inventor husband sid ( john tururro ) be a little lacking in the emotion department . unhappy with the new home situation and their sensitive son steven ( nathan watt ) decide he want to stay with his two eccentric uncle danny ( michael richards ) and melvin ( lou cutell ) until his mom be well . steven seem to be happy and even take interest in his strange uncle live habit while he even decide he want to change his name to franz . set in the early 60 and this drama be a bit comedic . change that to zany . not be a macdowell fan and unstrung hero assures my attitude while albeit i enjoy the film and it be not a total waste .