THE FAMILY MAN (2000) **1/2 I guess a lot of people saw a lot of It's a Wonderful Life in this movie (there's some), and almost all of 'em thought that the earlier one was better (it is). That myopic approach ignores the realities that: (1) It's a Wonderful Life hardly invented the concept of alternate realities, and (2) it's not exactly the first time that one film referenced another, or traded on another's ideas. So all that's yet another endorsement of It's a Wonderful Life , but hardly an indictment of anything else. This film has its heart squarely in the right place (yeah, ok, they were also trying to make money), and none of the scenes are particularly realistic, and if the pacing isn't perfect it's still enjoyable to watch. It is, by no means, great, and if a more cynical friend wanted to insist that it's a terrible film...I wouldn't waste my time arguing with that individual. But I like Téa Leoni and Nicolas Cage, and Don Cheadle, and I think that New Jersey and bowling are interesting...and family values and happy endings.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your exciting new terrorist novel!
I've already read both of your novels. Thank you, they're amazing. Now I want to check out your weekly blog on everything