The Family Stone
The Family Stone Early Review
The good people over at AICN have recently received an early review for the upcoming film The Family Stone. Starring
Dermot Mulroney, Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Claire Danes, Craig T. Nelson, Luke Wilson and Rachel McAdams, The Family Stone tells the story of how a man brings his ice-queen girlfriend home for Christmas.
If there's anything to note here, it's that it's not a straight comedy as some trailers suggest. It's more of a comedy drama that while generating a few laughs, is never hilarious. There's also the fact that the film is quite lesuirely and slow paced, which may be off-putting to some. Stick with it, though, and you'll find a charming story with some well-evolved characters. The slow pace kind of helps put the plot in perspective (because, as you can see from my synopsis, there is quite a lot going on) and gives time to develop lot of the principals. It helps that alot of the talented cast know how to fill their roles fantastically and their performances help the film to no end. Keaton and McAdams are both terrific, particularly Keaton, as she brings warmth to what could have been an unlikable character in the hands of other actresses.
The Family Stone
The Family Stone
What surprised me about the film, in general, was it's sensitivity. With a film that has two gay characters in a romantic relationship and a character dying of breast cancer, the film runs the occasional risk of being sentimental and heavy-handed. But they are handled very carefully, and there are two scenes that highlight this. The first is a dinner scene that turns deadly dark at one point. When the two gay characters talk about adopting a baby, the conversation turns incredibly topical. Most screenplays eould probably chicken out or balk, but The Family Stone stays very firm. The tension in the scene translates to the audience, as everything from race to where sexual preference are brought up. It's very well done and with complete subtlelty.
To check out the entire review for The Family Stone, head over to AICN.
The Family Stone comes to theatres on December 16th.
For more movie info, the poster, trailer and synopsis, go to The
Family Stone Movie Page.
Stay tuned for updates.
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