As I sit here watching my favorite Christmas movie, The Family Stone, I figured I would write a review for it, as I'm trying to get into this kind of writing. In full disclosure, I think this film is AMAZING! The cast, the plot, the cinematography, the beautiful set, just about every aspect of this film are sheer perfection. Most of all the acting.
Diane Keaton brilliantly plays the Stone family matriarch, Sybil. Sybil knows this is probably the last Christmas with her children, and she shares some emotionally wrenching scenes with them throughout the film. Her interactions with each of her children portray what a fun, accepting mother she has been, and the deep love she has for each of them. Keaton's acting is quite believable, and by the end of the movie, you love her as much as they do. Craig T. Nelson was also superb in his role of family patriarch, Kelly. An emotional, caring man, whose only Christmas wish is to give his children and wife a happy last Christmas together. Like Sybil, he loves his children deeply, and defends them sometimes fiercely for such a gentle man. This is one of my favorite roles he has played.
This film always makes me cry, as the superb acting and writing make you feel the emotional struggles of the characters, and you can deeply empathize with each situation. Each of the Stone children have a different relationship with their parents, and the way these differences are portrayed will truly pull at your heart strings and your funny bone at the same time. This movie is highly underrated in my opinion, and should be a more regarded Holiday film. It checks every box of emotion, and provides the viewer with a fun, Christmassy feel despite the heavy subplot.
As for the bad, my only problem with this film was Sarah Jessica Parker. I will confess to being a Sex and the City fan, but this was not the role for her. Meredith would have been better played by a younger, less typecast actress. Her character is written as uptight and awkward, and I don't believe those traits in Miss SJP. From other reviews I've read of this film, this was a problem for many viewers, and perhaps why it never got the critical acclaim it did deserve.
If you want a Christmas movie that will make you laugh and cry, often at the same time, The Family Stone is the choice for you. If you can see past SJP at what a beautifully written and acted masterpiece it is, this film will definitely take its place in your Christmas rotation.
***My favorite Stone children are Ben and Amy, for obvious reasons..lol***
No comments:
Post a Comment