I grew up with LITB in the 60s, and I always thought it was a great show. I never thought it was supposed to represent some kind of typical American family. In fact, the characters themselves said this more than once; e.g. "A lotta the guys say they wish their Moms and Dads were more like you guys", or something like it.
Anyway, this movie was a very sincere and heartfelt effort, even if it wasn't very funny. All the actors tried hard, and nobody mugged, etc. In fact, they were surprisingly restrained. I was truly moved by the flashback to Ward's funeral, shot from a distance, with Beaver's voice from an early episode praising his dad. I still get choked up just thinking about it!
Anyway, this movie was a very sincere and heartfelt effort, even if it wasn't very funny. All the actors tried hard, and nobody mugged, etc. In fact, they were surprisingly restrained. I was truly moved by the flashback to Ward's funeral, shot from a distance, with Beaver's voice from an early episode praising his dad. I still get choked up just thinking about it!