Review of The Family Stone (2005) by Thomas P — 06 Jan 2009

Advertised as a sort of 'Meet The Parents' style family feud comedy, that's only half the story. We have several well drawn characters at Christmas and although there's a little bit of PC with the gay/deaf/black relationship, even that is treated sensitively.

Sarah Jessica Parker has never been my favourite actress and isn't that attractive normally, but here she is perfectly cast as an annoying but somehow fun and sweet businesswoman. Anything with Diane Keaton is wonderful and here she cements the whole thing together as the loving mother.

Rachel McAdams is crisp as the disruptive one and Danes arrives as the sweetie. The men are pleasing and Michael Giacchino's score glues lovingly. The conclusion means the film gets better throughout.

Tragedy meets schmaltz meets happiness.