Like Father Like Son, released in theaters on October 2, 1987, is a lighthearted fantasy comedy revolving around the classic body-swap trope. Dr. Jack Hammond (Dudley Moore) is a successful, serious-minded surgeon focused on advancing his career, while his teenage son Chris (Kirk Cameron) is a typical high schooler more interested in sports, girls, and avoiding his father’s high expectations.
The story kicks off when Jack unwittingly drinks a mysterious Native American potion meant for mind transference, causing the father and son to switch consciousnesses.
Suddenly, Jack wakes up in Chris’s body and must navigate the challenges of high school life – from unruly classmates to a complicated crush named Lori (Camille Cooper) – while Chris, inhabiting his father’s body, faces hospital politics and the pressures of medical professionalism.
Amid the chaotic swap, the two struggle comically with each other’s worlds, leading to awkward encounters, mistaken identities, and valuable insights about each other’s lives.
Sean Astin stands out as Chris’ friend Trigger.
Supporting roles from Margaret Colin, Catherine Hicks and Patrick O’Neal add charm and humor to the mix.
The climax centers on their efforts to reverse the swap and repair strained family bonds
Like Father Like Son became a staple of 1980s body-swap comedies (Big, Vice Versa, 18 Again), following in the footsteps of films exploring identity and empathy through supernatural means.
While it did not achieve critical acclaim, Moore’s engaging performance and Cameron’s appeal made it a pleasant family-friendly watch that offered laughs alongside its moral lesson about understanding and respecting family dynamics.
Rod Daniel (Teen Wolf, K-9, The Super) directed the film.
Dudley Moore, Sean Astin and Kirk Cameron in Like Father Like Son (Photo/TriStar Pictures)
Reception for Like Father Like Son
Like Father Like Son grossed $7.2 million on its opening weekend, finishing in second place behind Fatal Attraction, which earned $9.3 on its third weekend.
The film would remain in the top 10 for seven weeks en route to grossing $34.4 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
The film is fondly remembered for its goofy yet heartfelt look at generational gaps and life pressures faced by fathers and sons.
It contributed to the popular trope of body-swapping in comedies of that era, helping pave the way for later films that combined humor with emotional growth themes.
Like Father Like Son remains a nostalgic example of 1980s comedy cinema that balances slapstick with sentiment.
This film stands as a quirky, wholesome exploration of family roles through the lens of a mind-bending premise, showcasing how walking a mile in someone else’s shoes—literally—can lead to deeper empathy and connection between father and son.
