The Family Stone wants us to forgive and forget its judgmental and nasty beginning, and then embrace its Christmas spirit. Not so easily done.
You'll wonder why golden boy son, Everett (Dermot Mulroney) wants to bring his new fiancé Meredith home to this family. For a family that is open and honest (they're absolutely fine with their deaf gay son and his black lover) they don't give the newcomer much of a chance.
Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) is subjected to the Stone's insecurities and prejudices.
There are a few moments of comedic gold: Meredith's food accident in the kitchen comes to mind, but the film is far too sentimental, see: the presents scene (and this sits awkwardly with the mean-spirited nature.)
The cast is stellar (including: Diane Keaton, Luke Wilson and Claire Danes) but the script is wildly uneven. Rachel McAdams is good as Amy, the youngest bitchy sister but she's not on screen enough.
Some people love this movie and maybe you'll fall into that category (fine) but this is a heavy stone to swallow. Festive rom-com is (just about) watchable.
FG FG F
DIRECTED BY: Thomas Bezucha. SCREENPLAY BY: Thomas Bezucha. RUNNING TIME: 103 minutes. CERTIFICATE: 12 / PG-13. USA.
