Movie Review: The Family (2013)

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Written by Anthony Sargon

I really wanted to like "The Family". Seriously, the trailer was funny enough, and Robert De Niro as a gangster is rarely boring. Unfortunately, the best parts of "The Family" are in the trailer, and the movie's just not funny or memorable enough to confidently recommend.

The plot revolves around ex-mobster Giovanni Mazoni (De Niro) who now finds himself, along with his family, in the witness protection program. He ratted out his entire organization, so in order to stay safe, he and his family have been moved to Normandy, France, but he doesn't have an ordinary family; they're all as messed up as he is in their own way.

Directed by Luc Besson, the movie does have some amusing moments, but they’re few and far between. Add that to the movie’s uneven tone, and you end up with a mildly entertaining mob comedy that could have been much better given the talent involved.

Robert De Niro gives a great performance in the film, something he doesn't do all too often anymore (who can blame him). Michelle Pfeiffer, who by the way is as sexy as ever, also seems to be relishing her role as Giovanni's wife, and she gives the film’s standout performance. Dianna Agron does an OK job as their psychotic daughter Belle, but John D’Leo kills it as their son Warren, and he delivers a lot of the film’s laughs. I don’t want to forget to mention Tommy Lee Jones, who gives a solid performance as detective Stansfield, who's responsible for keeping the "Blakes" safe.

The reason the film doesn’t rise above mediocrity is because it’s all over the place, tonally. There are sudden spurts of violence that are then followed by a joke, so you don’t know whether to laugh or feel horrified. Also, the family itself just isn’t that likable.

There are plenty of jokes in the film, but only a few manage to elicit any laughter, and that’s because of a lackluster script. I do really like the fact that the movie is set in Normandy, and as a French speaker, a lot of the French banter was amusing to hear.

A lot of the movie just doesn't make sense either. Without spoiling anything here, let’s just say that a lot of these mobsters could use a lesson or two in how to take somebody down quietly without blowing something up.

Anthony's Verdict:

Despite some strong lead performances by De Niro and Pfeiffer, "The Family" is just an OK time at the movies. It has its moments, but it's quite forgettable.

Numerical Score: 5.5/10

Comments 1
Default-user-icon Anthony (Guest) 16 September 2013, 15:38

Hahaha, agreed!