Review of The Family Man (2000) by Joyél R — 07 Dec 2011

The Family Man didn't have a terrible premise, but unfortunately the rest of the script didn't follow through that well. The plot, once established, was very linear and predictable, it featured nothing eye-widening of exciting beyond the point where Jack Campbell waked up in the life he could have had.

As far as casting went, it wasn't so bad. The performers all did a pretty good job. One issue was the disappearance of the lady Campbell was going to have an affair with, that arc would have spiced up the story if it was pursued more.

I felt like it could have used a bit more Don Cheadle. One, because his acting brought flavour to the movie and two, there was virtually no explanation behind his character which lead to some head-scratching regarding the story.

I understand that Ratner was trying to focus on Jack Campbell and his inner struggle between lonely success and mediocrity with a family, and by putting emphasis on the nature of the glimpse could have distorted that, but with the right balance it would have left the main message intact.

By minimizing Cheadle's appearance, it just left a real vague feeling regarding the glimpse and how it came to be. Despite the poor outlining of the glimpse phenomenon, the plot did a good job of portraying it's message regarding the futility of success if it can't be shared.