The Family

The Family

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 9/13/13

Reviewed 9/16/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

The genre of The Family is touted as action, but it's really an action movie with some dark comedy mixed in. Robert DeNiro (Fred Blake) and Michele Pfeiffer (Maggie Blake) can pull this off. You can't get much better than DeNiro doing drama and comedy (as he proved in Silver Linings Playbook)! Gary thought it was more like a 3 1/2, but I think he only woke up for the good parts.

The nutty and violent versed Manzoni family is on the run from the mob because Daddy "snitched" on the family. The mob family that is. As a result, they are forced to live a dull life in the witness protection program and go by the surname Blake. Transplanted to Southern France, they wreak havoc on another town that "has it coming" so to speak when they cross this group.

Teen son Warren Blake is played by John D'Leo who lends some sharp acting to the film. Seemingly weak Warren has his own unique way to discipline a classmate or two and he provides for some funny moments with all his planning and craftiness. Teaming up with her brother at school, the not as exciting Belle (Dianna Argon) is busy with her sights on another distracting project. Pfeiffer has her usual brilliant performance. She starts out strong as Maggie when she doesn't let the local grocery store bullies push her around. FBI Agent case worker Robert Lee Stansfield (Tommy Lee Jones) pops in and out checking on and duly chastising Fred for not keeping a low profile. Back in the States, the jailed mob boss wants revenge and has been searching for the family since they disappeared under FBI protection. A few misses doesn't deter the hit men from continuing the quest while under orders from the jailed leader. Finally stumbling upon the hiding family's whereabouts brings the mob to the sleepy village. A showdown between the Blakes and thugs allow the well-prepped kids to dominate. A few holes in the story don't tie things together and lend for a disappointing ending. Although it is a little awkward going from humor to violence to sentiment, The Family is still a worthy investment. Just don't take it too serious and you will find it entertaining enough.

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJj