Portrait Of A Ruthless Family (The Family Stone review)



* * * *

The Family Stone is cool comedy that goes further than making us laugh. It is the story of a dysfunctional family and one that is quite unconventional. It is a family nonetheless, and with family come many problems.

Everett Stone (Dermont Mulroney) is taking his girlfriend and the woman he will marry to his parents home for the holidays. Her name is Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker). Before they arrive we see the family starting to gather at the home, and like any good family the topic of the day is pointing out every flaw in Meredith. They talk about her from every angle and before we get to see more of Meredith, we simply, thanks to the family, come to know her as an uptight bitch. Whether this is entirely true or not, the whole family seems to feel that way about her.

All in all they arrive, she is welcomed more or less, and the conflicts begin. The mom (Diane Keaton) is expecting her son to ask Meredith to marry him. Her and most of the family members do not approve, and sooner than later, Meredith becomes aware of this. She calls her sister Julie (Claire Danes), but at the Christmas eve dinner things take a bad turn when the subject of homosexuality, since Everett’s brother is gay, is brought to the table. The mom makes a comment that no ordinary mom would ever make, and Meredith questions this only to make things turn ugly, and compels Meredith to leave the table in tears.

Soon the other brother, Ben (Luke Wilson) goes to comfort her, they get drunk, Julie and Everett look for them, and we come to find out that there is more going on than we expected. More arguments, a proposal, fights, and sad news later the family comes to understand the value of having each other. They in the end open their hearts to Meredith who has merely desperately tried to make them like her.

The story is very well written, and there are many laughs without it being stupid. You know how much I hate stupid movies. We get to see into a family that is very critical, yet open about things. We feel sorry for Meredith, but we also sympathize with Sybil the mother. I loved this movie for it’s realism, and the performances are genuine.

Sarah Jessica Parker has recently become one of my favorite actresses, while Rachel McAdams as the mean sister is nothing short of delightful. Claire Danes is also great for she always has that feel to her that makes one like her no matter what. Luke Wilson is made for his role as the laid back brother with a charming quality. Diane Keaton is an actress that to my great surprise embodies everything a mother is. She is wonderful in this, and gives an amazing performance. I think I liked her character best because she reminds me of my own mother, one who is strong, yet vulnerable, but always seeking the best for her children. Her potty mouth is a quality that greatly reminded me of my own mother, and she didn’t make excuses for it which was even better.

I recommend this film to anyone, it is a fun wild family ride. This is a ruthless family that makes for the most memorable and crazy holidays. A memorable film this is. One of the best and most surprising comedies I have ever seen.

The Family Stone