6.3 people? Really? This movie deserves a much higher score than that. It has everything you could ever want in a holiday film...or any film, for that matter. Happiness, anger, sorrow, humor, heart and soul, drama...plus a feeling of "realism" that's almost impossible to come by these days.
The house in the movie feels messy and real and "lived-in," as opposed to a fake movie set, along with the people who are not all perfect and polished. You almost feel as though you're peeking through tiny cameras at this family as you witness their foibles and weird relationship dynamics that only families have.
The Stone family, which consists of the two older parents and five adult children, are all congregating at the big ole' family home for the holidays. But now, Everett, the very successful son, is bringing home a new girlfriend named Merideth (played by Sara Jessica Parker) to introduce to the family.
Naturally, it's difficult enough meeting all the members of such a large well-established group. But add the fact Meredith is sort of an ill-at-ease uptight woman to begin with, along with the fact the family has already decided to dislike her (due to the youngest daughter already going out to dinner with the couple and spreading the word that Meredith is a total obnoxious b**tch) and you're in for some real awkwardness.
Meredith (played to emotional perfection by Parker) manages to always say and do the wrong thing, even though she's really trying to make everyone like her. Maybe (as Everett's laid-back brother...also played beautifully by Luke Wilson) points out.
So, Meredith ends up calling her sister (Claire Danes) for support...and that's when things REALLY get complicated! I won't offer spoilers here, because I really want you to watch the movie. And although the story may seem a little dreary at times (like real life, it's both sad and funny) there is a magical moment (about thirty minutes from the end) when all hell breaks loose which is hysterical!
There are a lot of big names in this movie (as you can see...Diane Keaton, etc...) and, like I said, all the actors do a wonderful job. If you are a fan of complicated relationship dynamics, then you will enjoy this movie. My husband commented (from the kitchen) that it seemed cliche, but oh well. Maybe it's not for everyone.
Personally, I think The Family Stone is so much better than a lot of these cheesy Christmas movies that just seem so fake. Trust me, this is miles and miles away from a Hallmark holiday film!
The house in the movie feels messy and real and "lived-in," as opposed to a fake movie set, along with the people who are not all perfect and polished. You almost feel as though you're peeking through tiny cameras at this family as you witness their foibles and weird relationship dynamics that only families have.
The Stone family, which consists of the two older parents and five adult children, are all congregating at the big ole' family home for the holidays. But now, Everett, the very successful son, is bringing home a new girlfriend named Merideth (played by Sara Jessica Parker) to introduce to the family.
Naturally, it's difficult enough meeting all the members of such a large well-established group. But add the fact Meredith is sort of an ill-at-ease uptight woman to begin with, along with the fact the family has already decided to dislike her (due to the youngest daughter already going out to dinner with the couple and spreading the word that Meredith is a total obnoxious b**tch) and you're in for some real awkwardness.
Meredith (played to emotional perfection by Parker) manages to always say and do the wrong thing, even though she's really trying to make everyone like her. Maybe (as Everett's laid-back brother...also played beautifully by Luke Wilson) points out.
So, Meredith ends up calling her sister (Claire Danes) for support...and that's when things REALLY get complicated! I won't offer spoilers here, because I really want you to watch the movie. And although the story may seem a little dreary at times (like real life, it's both sad and funny) there is a magical moment (about thirty minutes from the end) when all hell breaks loose which is hysterical!
There are a lot of big names in this movie (as you can see...Diane Keaton, etc...) and, like I said, all the actors do a wonderful job. If you are a fan of complicated relationship dynamics, then you will enjoy this movie. My husband commented (from the kitchen) that it seemed cliche, but oh well. Maybe it's not for everyone.
Personally, I think The Family Stone is so much better than a lot of these cheesy Christmas movies that just seem so fake. Trust me, this is miles and miles away from a Hallmark holiday film!