When the premier passes for “The Family” arrived, expectations were mixed. With a cast boasting renowned actors and actresses, the hope was for a compelling film. However, the movie landscape is littered with productions that fail to live up to their potential, leading to a degree of skepticism. Surprisingly, “The Family” movie exceeded these cautious expectations.
Based on French author Tonino Benacquista’s novel Malavita, known as Badfellas in the United States, “The Family” movie offers an intriguing perspective. The moniker Badfellas itself hints at the film’s essence. It masterfully incorporates beloved elements of classic mobster movies but distinguishes itself with a significant dose of humor. The family dynamic depicted feels remarkably contemporary, mirroring the likely experiences of a modern mob family navigating suburban life. Viewers will find themselves rooting for the entire family unit, rather than focusing on individual shortcomings.
The film adopts a brisk pace from the outset, efficiently introducing and developing the characters. This swift setup is beneficial, allowing the audience to fully appreciate their personalities and observe their evolution throughout the narrative. We witness the typical blunders of a teenage girl, the sharp intuition coupled with flaws of a teenage boy, a mother’s determined efforts to maintain familial cohesion, and a father grappling with (partial) remorse.
For those seeking a cinematic experience akin to Goodfellas or Casino, “The Family” movie carves its own niche. Instead, it arguably achieves what “Analyze This” aspired to be, but with greater success. The movie is rich in action, and cleverly, the trailers withhold some of its most captivating aspects. “The Family” movie is unequivocally a must-see and earns a hearty recommendation.
