Review of Reuniting the Rubins (2011) by Simon T — 23 Oct 2011

Endearing performances from Timothy Spall and Honor Blackman are the highlight of this comedy about a dysfunctional family brought together for Passover. The theme is hardly new and the comedy awkward at times, yet as a drama Reuniting the Rubins finds its feet. As the film progresses, the crassly generic personality types gradually give way to more genuine characters with complex motivations, aspirations and vulnerabilities. The crescendoing interwoven storylines add impetus, and as the film hurtles towards its conclusion it's hard to keep from smiling despite its various dramatic contrivances. These are people we care about, and perhaps see a little of ourselves and our own families in too.

Like its eponymous family, Reuniting the Rubins shakes off the negatives which might (justifiably) be levelled at its component parts and delivers an engaging film deserving of a wider audience.