Accidental Family (2021) User Reviews

Fine for What It Is

[RogerOThornhill1959 · 5/10 · 13 February 2023]

This is clearly a very low budget local production, the kind of production where all of the extras are listed in the credits. I have seen quite a few of those in my time, and this one has its good points.

The plot has some striking similarities to While You Were Sleeping, and a lot of the same feel. That is really something of a strength, albeit unoriginal. To say it is cheesy would be too obvious, but to me the real cheese was Swiss, as in holes in the story. Just don't think about this one too much and you will enjoy it more. In some ways that is a lot like your typical Hallmark movie, but I think this one is a bit more guilty.

Aside from that, there is something to enjoy here. The lead actress does a good job in her role, even if some of what she does defies logic. The actress playing the fiancé is good as well, to the point that you hate her just like you are supposed to. Most of the other cast act well enough not to be a distraction.

I actually liked the final act. Most of the "twists" are of course predictable, but it is still sweet and satisfying. Like I said though, just don't think about the explanations too much. If this came out of Hollywood, it would be a lower grade, but I have to give it a 5.

Typical Hallmark Movie

[Jacksondun · 6/10 · 8 December 2022]

I had the opportunity to watch the premiere located in St. Joseph, MO. In a charming little rustic church downtown. I was excited to watch this movie due to seeing Christmas at the Chateau and someone who like rom-coms it was a no brainer to go. Hope to go back and try 3 Wishes Bakery, too bad they didn't have those at the premiere for all guests.

The movie was predictable, so it felt to take a while to get to the point. The beginning was slow moving, the rewind/fast-forward motion graphic seemed was not pleasant on the eyes and too much of it.

After doing some research I come to find out the Noyes home, is a real play in St. Joseph, MO however it is no longer an orphanage. Parents/guardians have all legal rights to their children and they are only placed there until the family can be reunited. I am thankful they didn't use this movie for a fundraising attempt.

Back to the movie Olivia's character is relatable by so many in society. Longing to be seen by a certain person, finding their family, wanting to just feel included (which is everyone). I didn't like the part where the chest hit her in the head because you can tell it was super fake. Megan's character was the typical two faced stuck up individual. I do think that it should have played out more on her and Alex. The grandmother was hilarious to watch.

A lot of the actors are theater actor which you can tell on the big screen. The actors haven't fully channeled their characters to fluently play on a big screen. When actors are to cry, they need to cry and not just make the sound of crying.

Oscar was wonderful to watch, the actor was casted fantastic.

The ending was a bit over the top. It definitely pulls at the heartstrings but unrealistic how the end conversation go.

This is the typical movie you would see on Hallmark, would be good to add there due to it being relatable.

Accidentally thought this would be entertaining

[mccox48-549-343762 · 2/10 · 26 March 2023]

We took a chance on this movie. My wife will endlessly watch Hallmark movies, so I suggested that we watch this movie.

It started out with a tried and true premise. Single girl, hoping for love, fate bringing people together, but it didn't deliver an emotional connection.

The acting was stiff and amateurish. Maybe the writing was partially to blame, but the actors either overreacted or were emotionless. The comedy was weak, while the pratfalls were not well done nor funny. Some of the circumstances that connected the characters were poorly scripted and acted. Hard to classify this as a comedy.

My wife lost interest after ten minutes. I tried to hang on in hopes that it would improve. It continued in the same amateurish performance and we turned it off.

Maybe it becomes more watchable, but we regretted losing the time we spent watching any of the movie.

Reviews are supplied by extras and friends - don't watch

[nsvymqqcds · 1/10 · 1 January 2023]

This movie was poor quality and a waste of time (it bordered on cringeworthy). We rented it because of the reviews and IMDb rating thinking it was a hidden gem. Read the actual reviews from film critics that are linked (wish we would have before watching) since those are more accurate. The extras in the movie and friends of the director, writer, producer, and editor (all the same fellow) wrote the IMDb reviews. I've never written an IMDb review before, but felt compelled given that the reviews are gamed. Plot was unbelievable and trite, the acting extremely uneven, and the direction was subpar.

He can't be 58

[atlandreneau · 1/10 · 27 March 2023]

While obviously low budget and a mix bag of acting skill levels, I was tracking until the very last scene. Paul simply cannot be 58. If for any reason the answer had to be greater than 48, it should have been left out. Abigail should not have been forced to give up a child at age 28 (assuming they were the same age). If she wasn't an adult and Paul was 28, yikes. I feel illogical anger about this. Without that scene I would have moved on with my life and never cared that I spent time watching this movie because at least it was free, but I am so upset that they added that question and that was the answer. Yes, this is a spoiler alert because it just boils my blood!!!

Solid Ending. Worth watching the whole film

[iluvmydogs1889 · 7/10 · 3 January 2023]

I'm not generally one for this type of movie, but I found myself getting lost in the story. My favorite part was the ENDING. Worth watching to see the twist. Most stories you can predict the ending with the main character getting the love interest. BUT there was MORE. Tearful moments that were good and solid. The rest of the movie was decent with some fun characters and a few funni scenes. I do wonder what happened to the evil blonde lady LOL! I haven't ever seen her before but I'm sure her name will start popping up in other films. All in all I was happily surprised with this little romantic comedy that has a heart felt ending. Good flik.

Pretty awful

[ddanielson-57033 · 1/10 · 8 April 2023]

This is one of the worst movies I've seen in a while. It starts off a little promising, but as it continues the story line makes absolutely no sense. The acting is terrible and it makes you cringe. There's way too much going. Picture all of the hallmark movies condensed into one scrap soup. Just when you think that things can't get any worse, worse keeps coming and coming. There is just way too much nonsense. Do not waste your time watching this movie, it's not even the kind of bad that makes you laugh. It's the kind of bad that makes you feel embarrassed to have sat here and watched the entire thing.

Likeable Characters in a Pleasant Movie

[brmbj · 7/10 · 12 December 2022]

This is a fun little film that has lots enjoyable attributes, but also some aspects that keep it from truly succeeding. Set in the Missouri River city of St. Joseph (which looks like a beautiful community thanks to the camera work in the movie), it follows an accident prone, energetic and earnest young woman (Olivia) as she tries to deliver a family heritage chest to a close knit loving family. (The Bailey's) Not realizing that she is a lonely adult orphan who longs to find her own family, they mistake her for a long lost relative. She is trapped in the age-old mistaken identity plot device of not being able to tell them the truth, even as she is falling for the son (Alex), who she has glimpsed longingly from a distance before, even though he has never recognized her. It turns out he is engaged to an unpleasant gold- digger (Megan) and the rest of the plot follows the growing relationship as Olivia tries to show Alex that Megan is not right for him. Themes of family and belonging are prominent.

The Lead actors are cute and the two matriarchs of the family (Ellen and Sofia) add some fun and sentimental goodness. And, of course, true to form, there is the emotional payoff at the end when Olivia is made whole as she discovers her true family in multiple ways.

There are some problems though. The pacing of a number of scenes is slow and plodding which hurts the overall comic feel. Some of the characters are played far too broadly so that it is incredible that the other cast members are not able to see through their plotting. The role of the scheming fiance is so obviously wrong for the son that it is hard to believe the family can like her at all. The same treatment hurts the brother and Olivia's two erstwhile suitors. Some of the plot falls prey to the predictability one expects in a rom-com and again the pacing tends to pound points over our heads with a baseball bat rather than letting them develop organically. There are some nice moments provided especially by Olivia and Alex. Olivia's roommate, (Kira) is a ball of fire and breathes a lot of life and energy into her scenes. Ellen Bailey is a solidifying presence for the family and for Olivia.

One wonders if the choice of the name Bailey is an homage to It's A Wonderful life, which has similarities in themes with this film. The plots differ but the use of the guardian angel to try to help a struggling human find meaning in their life does create that sense of connection.

Overall I enjoyed watching Accidental Family, but it could be tightened up by picking up the pacing, except for the frenetic Olivia, and giving some more depth of character to many of the supporting cast. I hope this movie company produces some more work. They show promise.

"While You Were Sleeping " anyone?

[Tutu33369 · 2/10 · 21 March 2023]

This movie has the exact same plot and story line as, "While You Were Sleeping" with Sandra Bullock. Many of the lines in the script are the same. Girl falls for guy, pretends to be part of his family, falls in love with the family and doesn't want to hurt them.... Almost identical characters, all the way down to the sleezy apartment guy, who even utters the same line, "is dis guy bothering youse?" I was prepared for a fun entertaining rom-com but felt like I was watching a poor remake. It's a bummer because the notion of a Heritage Chest business had such possibility. The acting was good, especially the character of Olivia. There has got to be copyright infringement here somewhere.

Hallmark Movie Lovers!!! A MUST watch

[DanielPreston80s · 9/10 · 6 December 2022]

Really enjoyed this fun romantic comedy movie, it had lots of heart and ends by pulling at your heart strings. I found myself getting teary eyed and I never get emotional movies. Reminded me of Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping, with a lonely girl looking for love and ending up smack dab in the middle of a funny situation were she can get to know the guy she likes. I laughed out loud several times with funny gags and even the side characters. I really liked the unique spin they took with genealogy and consulting. Is this already a business, building heritage chests filled with family heirlooms, photos and DNA info? The forbidden sparks between Olivia and Alex are great and its conclusion was perfect. The lead actor Kinsey Redmond is fun and charming and should be in many more films like this! Love her and her quirky humor. This is a movie I'm sure I may find myself watching several more times. Much better than most cookie-cutter Hallmark stories. A must watch if you like good solid family films.

Give it a shot

[freyk21 · 7/10 · 11 June 2023]

I do not usually take the time to write reviews but after finishing this movie I thought I would. First of all I do think it is worth more than a 4.8. It is a typical hallmark like movie however it does come with some emotional twists and turns. The acting is adequate and the location is picturesque. I encourage you to give this one a shot and once you get to the end I hope you are not disappointed. The lead actress does quite a nice job qnd it has a nice life message. Never forget that what you are looking for out of life may be right in front of you the whole time and never take things for granted.

Predictable and cheesy

[gwilliamhouse-05401 · 1/10 · 2 January 2023]

This had every making of a typical Hallmark Channel movie. Predictable, cheesy, bad acting. Don't pay for this movie - wait until it's free. If you have nothing else to watch, and want a movie you know where it's going in the first 10 minutes, this is the one for you.

Luckily, the run time is shorter and you can get through it, with some popcorn and treats to take your mind of the movie. It must have been the director's first movie - everyone has to start somewhere, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

It was listed as a "comedy', which is was so bad it was funny. My grandma would love it!

So basic, even Hallmark wouldn't produce it.

[RIIIW · 1/10 · 17 January 2023]

Watch the movie if you live or have lived in St Joseph. Wonderful views of the city. Also Joe Morack (Oscar) is the only actor who can act convincingly. Otherwise watch a movie you've seen before again. I can see that the attempt to make a good movie was taken, but the writing and acting make this movie suffer. Few of the actors are believable in their roles. Clearly overacting or in a few cases, not even trying at all. But maybe the actors suffer by the lack of great writing. Overall it's a decent movie for locals, knowing that a movie was made in their town, but for mass consumption definitely not. Made for public access cable channels.

PS. Be wary of the ratings on here. Anything higher than a 4 was made by the production crew and the actors.

Who on Earth rates this higher then a 5?

[david_stever · 2/10 · 1 January 2023]

My wife and I took a flyer on this movie because with just under 100 votes, it was rated a 9.2 We had never heard of this title, and when looking at the details of it we also did not know any of the actors listed (should that have been a warning to us?) but thought 'we'll, why not?' We are always looking for decent movies to watch.

Well, now we know those 96 votes must all be among the people in Saint Joseph Missouri where the movie was filmed on location or related to the actors cast in it.

The actors are all no one you've ever heard of before and with the way they read their lines here you'll never of them again. We made it 30-45 minutes before we gave up and moved on. I don't recommend this one to anybody.

Worse acting ever

[aprillove-92569 · 1/10 · 30 March 2023]

Do NOT watch this movie do not waste your time. Worse acting ever and those ghost peppers really anyone would have known they were regular bell peppers, come on.

Who ever made this movie should have NOT made it. I don't think the actors are bad people I think it was BAD writing.

Come on people what is wrong w/you people why can't you write a better movie. What is wrong w/this world.

Someone should have stopped this movie before it got on prime or prime should have given this movie to Netflix. Or maybe Netflix passed on it because it was so bad when they read the script. Yes one of the worse movies ever.

I have no words....

[leonard-b-smith · 1/10 · 28 August 2023]

This was so bad that I had to write a review. From the opening scene it felt amateurish. The inner dialogue of the female lead in that opening scene came across forced and disproportional - "over the top" is a great way to characterize that scene.

...and we're off...

The plot line was very similar to "While you were Sleeping." In fact, some of the dialogue was close to identical. The acting was stilted and there was no chemistry between the two leads which for a romance is the kiss of death.

Finally, they could have put in just a bit of effort to get age-appropriate actors for the flash-back, flash-forward scenes.

Avoid watching it

[gABQv · 1/10 · 2 January 2023]

It is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. There is no integrity from the beginning, things are not connected to each other properly. Cliche scenario, unnecessary details are given too much time, acting is terrible, meaningless conversations, fast talking... Imbalance of the sound and high volume of the conversations gave me a headache. I could stand only 25 minutes. Perhaps the best thing about the movie is the narrator.

Please do yourself a favor and avoid watching this movie unless you have time to waste. Hallmark movies are much better than this.

It is obvious that whoever gave 10 stars for this movie should be the movie staff.

Clever, heart-warming rom-com!

[kathybreeden · 10/10 · 6 December 2022]

How refreshing to see a well-produced romantic comedy (usually I'm not a fan). Love the characters, want to be related to them myself! Beautiful colorization and locales, gentle humor, wonderful message. So nice to see a movie not filled with blood, gore, and desperation. Lifted my spirits and had a cathartic cry as well! The two leads are sweet-spirited and zany. May they get to work together again in the future. Cudos to the director, Jason Hudson, who continues to produce quality movies. He gathers talented, generous actors and technicians around him who quickly become the Clearlight family.

Cheesy

[pinkcloudsday · 2/10 · 25 March 2023]

No screen test for this movie anybody and everybody was hired experience or acting skills clearly wasn't necessary I have never seen such lousy acting. Whoever wrote the script thought they could make a combination of while you were sleeping and Highway to Heaven and throw in some really bad acting. I don't think Oscar has ever tried acting before. This movie was so cheesy and the soundtrack was appalling and why they called it a comedy I really don't know, there wasn't anything remotely funny about it. This movie barely qualifies for a watch-Once movie. Two stars is all this movie will get from me.

Truely Awful... but

[mark_ipad · 1/10 · 13 April 2023]

Horrible acting, basically same cast from Christmas at the Château. Low/No budget, Shot with single camera angle, actors seam to be bored with scenes as they are filmed. Interesting story even if it copied several other better movies. I really wanted to care about the main characters, Olivia and Alex, but the side characters and ridiculous attempts at humor (Don't eat spaghetti with this family) keep Interrupting the plot flow.

*However, if you survive the first 28 minutes, fast forward to the 1:07 minute mark, where cast seams to remember they are actors, and you have maybe a 5/10 movie. Good luck.

A boring, unfunny waste of time

[andreasrau · 1/10 · 15 March 2024]

I have rarely watched anything from start to finish that, though billed as a comedy, was unfunny.

A rather stupid plot, a surfeit of rather shallow characters and poorly acted throughout, it defies logic and common sense.

There is no reason for anyone with half a brain to watch it past the opening minutes unless you are hoping to witness a train wreck, but even that isn't exactly forthcoming.

But, if you are willing to waste a little more than 90 minutes of your life and you have been suitably primed with a good wine or bourbon, go right ahead.

Some films are so badly done that they can even be funny.

This isn't one of them.

Atrocious... No Way Around It

[carolynnroberts · 1/10 · 16 February 2024]

Full disclosure.... my husband and I act. Community theatre to low budget films and everything in between. ("People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones".) I REALLY hesitate to slam a film like this because I know we all need to get those credits. However, this is nothing I would put on a resume. THIS got airtime?! For those who gave it above a 5, you have either had limited exposure to movies and theatre or have no standards. A plot line my 13 year old could have written better (OMG... "Anglo-Saxon dirt in a jar"?), terrible and over the top (even for the worst community theatre) acting (let's wave those hands for emphasis even more!), apparent zero direction, no production quality (sound sometimes was like from a home video camera and at many points you could see production lights/crew reflected in main actress' glasses, etc.), and who added the music track? Really no natural chemistry between anyone as it was so obvious they were "trying to act". As a fellow actor... kuddos for trying. From an audience perspective? There are billions better content out there. Want a romantic comedy? Read a book over this. And I'm a "Cheesy Harlequin Fan". This was beyond bad. Sorry!

Great movie night selection

[jennifergailmorris · 9/10 · 7 December 2022]

It's hard to find a family friendly movie these days. This movie made me laugh and cry. The whole family enjoyed it. Even the teenagers were cracking up. (Meatballs or peppers anyone?) I especially loved the heart behind the adoption story and the bravery in that choice. Witnessing miracles every day is something we often forget but this movie reminds us that they are all around in the everyday moments waiting to be discovered. It is a heartfelt film without being cheesy. The quality of the acting was superb. If you're looking for a feel good film on movie night You'll definitely want to add this film to your watch list!

Great watch, even if you're not typically a fan of the genre

[aizlynnh · 8/10 · 7 December 2022]

Not going to lie, I was a little anxious coming into this movie since I am not typically a fan of romcoms. However, these fears were totally quashed as I watched. The side characters and real feeling add some extra flavor that help break it out of the cliches that it's so easy for romance films to fall into. It's a truly fun and enjoyable movie that knows just when to add in a touch of cheesiness, quirk, and humor and when to like the other emotions shine. Be prepared to cry, lol, it really takes you through the highs and lows with it. Again, not my typical cup of tea but if you want a good family movie, you should definitely check this out.

Such a good movie!!

[farmcat-17695 · 10/10 · 7 December 2022]

I absolutely LOVED this movie. It was so fresh and heartfelt. Great for a fun family night. I laughed and cried and was on the edge of my seat during the whole film. The director and actors did such a great job with this. I can't express how cool it was to see places in St. Joe that i have been to many times and see so many familiar faces. I definitely recommend this!! I will watch it many more times to come. Best part by far was that i had a little scene as an extra with my sister! The director included so many people from the community and that made it so much more personal! If you love a good hallmark movie this is a must watch!!