Review of Instant Family (2018) by James R — 17 Nov 2018

Surprise! Bet you didn't think I was going to be reviewing a somewhat family comedy, but here it is and man I was pretty surprised myself that I liked this one...a lot. Director Sean Anders is mostly a miss for me.

I really enjoyed his first big movie Sex Drive (2008), found That's My Boy (2012) to be better than most recent Adam Sandler films, but I felt like his last few films Horrible Bosses 2 (2014), Daddy's Home (2015) and it's sequel just were bad.

It's good to see him return to form with Instant Family. Loosely based on Anders real life story of adopting 3 kids this movie follows Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie (Rose Byrne) a married couple that decides through some convincing and thought that they want to adopt a kid.

They think since they're already a bit older it would make more sense to adopt a kid that needs a home and they won't be an "old parent" since the child will be a few years old already.

They go to a foster home class for a few weeks to learn the basics of what's needed and when it finally comes for the day to meet some kids at a meet and greet....it doesn't go well. All the kids don't seem to connect with Pete or Ellie.

This is all true until they run into the teenager crowd who usually don't get adopted because no one apparently wants a teenager. They meet a young girl named Lizzy (Isabela Moner) who has kind of an attitude, but leaves an impression on the two adults.

Long story short they end up asking about Lizzie, but find out she has two other siblings that she comes with the shy Juan (Gustavo Quiroz) and the energetic Lita (Julianna Gamiz). They agree to take the three kids in and at first it seems like things are perfect.

But, soon enough the "honeymoon" phase ends and Pete and Ellie have to understand what being a parent truly means. Overall, it's a bit predictable, but it's a very genuine film. It has a lot of heart and mixes together comedy and drama very well.

I really liked the performances in this one. The kids are extremely likeable and I have to give credit to Moner who does a great job of being that angst like teenager that has a lot more going on then you think.

The only gripe I have is the ending. Things sort of just happen a bit...too convenient. Overall, solid film that I think just about everyone could enjoy. I highly recommend giving it a look.