Review of The Family Man (2000) by Johnny T — 07 Jan 2013

Despite solid acting, it's a fantasy for those who don't know jack about what really makes for a wonderful life. A holiday fable that's not destined for immortality but goes down more easily than most of the pap Hollywood tries to feed us every Christmas. Sweet, light entertainment, but could have been more. Beyond the cliched diaper-changing scenes and the oh-so-predictable romantic complications, the film inadvertently insults its presumed target audience. Sidesteps from the premise of "It's a Wonderful Life" far enough to avoid copyright charges, but not far enough to avoid unfavorable comparisons. Cage gives a performance that invites audiences to lay cynicism aside in a romantic fable. Cage is a wonderful light comedian; were someone to remake "It's a Wonderful Life," he'd be on the short list for the role of George Bailey. And Leoni is Donna Reed, reborn.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).