A thoroughly refreshing film. The Family Stone is most reminiscent of Jodie Foster's Home For The Holidays, Parenthood and similar family gathering over a holiday films but is far superior.
What is misleading is that at the start (and at various points along the way) it checks off the cliché boxes with aplomb: angry difficult youngest member - check; spoilt grandchild - check; reliable oldest daughter with absent husband - check; lovable rogue brother - check; younger homosexual brother check; inter- racial relationship - check; disability - check. Yup, going in this appears to be just another formula piece. Surely, it can't be any good.
And yet, it is. The performances help tremendously: Luke Wilson is the most likable he's ever been; Rachel McAdams continues to shine; Diane Keaton is on top form as usual; Sarah Jessica Parker has never matched this performance; etc, etc. However, the script is actually superbly handled. Despite the clichés the film is sweet and good-natured without being saccharine. Each character is fully formed (with one notable exception) and the dialogue rips along with vigour.
There are many occasions when you know exactly where the film is going but that doesn't matter because its a delight to spend a couple of hours with this family. Anyone who's ever had a big family gathering whether there own or tagging along with a partner (and it needn't be on the scale of this one) will find something they can relate to enjoy in this intelligent holiday treat.
It is, however, let down by Claire Danes character. Danes herself is fine but she has nothing to do, she serves no purpose. And worse her character is involved in a romantic subplot that never feels earned, that is thoroughly unconvincing and seems forced. It seems as if this must have been a bigger story that might have been cut down in the editing to get the time down but at about 105 minutes the film doesn't overstay its welcome and more of this story would have helped make the film a holiday classic instead of just the enjoyable holiday diversion it is.
Worth watching as an escape from magic and mythical beasts this Christmas but will be best enjoyed in front of the fire with the family at future Christmases.
What is misleading is that at the start (and at various points along the way) it checks off the cliché boxes with aplomb: angry difficult youngest member - check; spoilt grandchild - check; reliable oldest daughter with absent husband - check; lovable rogue brother - check; younger homosexual brother check; inter- racial relationship - check; disability - check. Yup, going in this appears to be just another formula piece. Surely, it can't be any good.
And yet, it is. The performances help tremendously: Luke Wilson is the most likable he's ever been; Rachel McAdams continues to shine; Diane Keaton is on top form as usual; Sarah Jessica Parker has never matched this performance; etc, etc. However, the script is actually superbly handled. Despite the clichés the film is sweet and good-natured without being saccharine. Each character is fully formed (with one notable exception) and the dialogue rips along with vigour.
There are many occasions when you know exactly where the film is going but that doesn't matter because its a delight to spend a couple of hours with this family. Anyone who's ever had a big family gathering whether there own or tagging along with a partner (and it needn't be on the scale of this one) will find something they can relate to enjoy in this intelligent holiday treat.
It is, however, let down by Claire Danes character. Danes herself is fine but she has nothing to do, she serves no purpose. And worse her character is involved in a romantic subplot that never feels earned, that is thoroughly unconvincing and seems forced. It seems as if this must have been a bigger story that might have been cut down in the editing to get the time down but at about 105 minutes the film doesn't overstay its welcome and more of this story would have helped make the film a holiday classic instead of just the enjoyable holiday diversion it is.
Worth watching as an escape from magic and mythical beasts this Christmas but will be best enjoyed in front of the fire with the family at future Christmases.