Family Obligations (2019) User Reviews

Obvious Low Budget But Still Honest

[teamharris98 · 6/10 · 8 March 2020]

I enjoyed Family Obligations. Its story is quite simple but heartfelt. The same can be said of the performances.

As with most low budget features, there are some technical issues which detract from the viewing experience slightly - namely some off audio and a couple of missteps with camera. Another (very understandable) issue is the lack of locations, which preclude us from seeing the male lead at home and help to tell his story.

A couple of scenes were quite long where they could have been made zippier for the same result. In particular the restaurant and the park scene that follows.

None of this takes away from the story, and I actually enjoyed the interaction from the two leads. I was expecting some photographs to be 'Chekov's Gunned' in there, but it was just a distraction.

Mini n budget film can be good

[ks-60500 · 7/10 · 15 August 2019]

A simple story, simple actor & actress, simple shooting, light music. Sometimes less is more. Bear in mind it's nothing huge, just watch it and put down all criticism and enjoy.

Made me laugh

[bugger-17071 · 9/10 · 24 July 2019]

Since the synopsys for this movie is extremely vague, I will start the review by writing a proper one: The main character's dad dies, and he takes care of the funeral. His father's house must be sold, while he is dealing with cleaning up the house, he gets a call that leads to him reconnecting with his uncle who he didn' speak to in years. His uncle is sick, so he helps him out by taking him to doctor's appointments and befriends a girl living in the same building as his uncle.

Thoughts: The movie had several moments that made me laugh, it mostly utilizes awkward humor. The main character (Peter) is robotic but we slowly find out more about him as the movie progresses. I would say this movie is unique, does not utilize clichés. It becomes more serious in the second half, but delivers a satisfying ending. I would say it is worth watching.

Good Movie

[lj-26429 · 9/10 · 1 September 2019]

Some people might not ever sit through a movie where they don't recognize the actors, but if you can get past that, this is something to try. Very relatable. A nice story with solid acting. Nothing fancy, but good laughs, character development, and a lot of heart.

I really liked the tone of the whole thing. It feels very real, and the humor comes from genuine situations and emotions.

Funny and Honest

[gabriel-33594 · 9/10 · 10 September 2019]

I found myself laughing but never doubting the characters or the story. I guess a lot of movies like this don't get made anymore, but I like it. Good acting, good storytelling throughout. It ends in an emotionally satisfying way, and you're glad you watched it.

Touching, honest, well-written film

[johnpaul-94916 · 10/10 · 16 October 2019]

Anchored by some strong performances, this film makes you laugh and makes you care about its people. The main character Peter returns home after his father's sudden death, and he ends up taking care of his uncle that he had forgotten all about. Because of his uncle, he meets Melanie, a single mom in the same apartment building. These new experiences for Peter, involving himself in people's lives, leads him to discover real emotions for the first time. This discovery comes as his uncle decides to stop treatment for his disease and accept his impending death. Peter now has to choose whether to stay in their lives or go back to his solitary ways. As the film unfolds, you understand what has led Peter to this isolated life, and you come to care for him and root for him to find happiness.

Funny and authentic

[sylvia-36077 · 9/10 · 29 November 2019]

An honest look at family life for those who didn't have it easy with their families. An awkward and realistic ride through coming to terms with the people in your life with humor and an ending that reminds us why we care.

A real look at difficult relationships

[kawhi-49094 · 10/10 · 26 December 2019]

This film looks at the pain of missed opportunities and the hope of second chances in family relationships. It also contains some genuinely funny moments and honest laughs, which is a credit to the writing and acting. If you ever wish you were closer with your family or feel like you've grown apart, this film will speak to you.

Great cast with natural chemistry

[fitzgerald-68298 · 9/10 · 10 December 2019]

A lot of independent films begin with good intentions but stall in story problems or uneven performances. This film engages you in its story and never pulls you away from its world and its characters. It helps tremendously that it is anchored by its main performers realistic, human interactions. This world these characters inhabit feels real.

Great if you like small movies

[danny-90377 · 10/10 · 26 November 2019]

A good example of independent film done well. The characters and story unfold without any tricks or magic. The heart and humor shine through without any distraction.

Funny and heartwarming

[john-54049 · 10/10 · 4 February 2020]

A realistic film with human characters that gives you hope. I enjoyed all the performances and the great story.

Hidden Gem

[podcasts-25232 · 10/10 · 31 December 2019]

Glad I stumbled upon this film. Funny, touching, and makes you think about your family and the relationships in your life that you've left behind. Chris Mollica is great as Peter, a man who thought he had seen the last of his family until his father's death brings him back to his hometown. Soon after reconnecting with his Uncle Frank, played by Frank Failla, Peter finds that he suddenly wants the connection he thought he had given up on.

The acting is solid, there are some funny moments, and the ending gives you hope for this man trying to put his life together. I highly recommend it.

Intimate, real, and satisfying

[keith-66283 · 10/10 · 21 February 2020]

Few films really capture ordinary people's lives, how they interact, how they talk to one another, or how they feel about themselves. This film does that in small moments that feel like we're seeing their lives unfold before our eyes. A very enjoyable film.

A heart-warming feel-good movie

[jack-50770 · 9/10 · 7 March 2020]

It's good to remember why family and people are important. The movie is funny and touching without being too sentimental, and it keeps things authentic. I'm glad I found it.

The type of movie you don't see anymore

[adam-87821-14343 · 10/10 · 25 March 2020]

I don't know where these smaller character stories have gone, but I miss them. Good acting, good script. A nice film to watch when you're tired of the comic book movies out there now.

One of my new favorite indies

[tito-09398 · 10/10 · 1 May 2020]

I wish more people made movies like this. A story with real characters in realistic situations that are told with nuance and compassion. There are some good laughs, some genuine moments of drama, and you leave very satisfied.

Could have been so much more

[Gordon-11 · 3 May 2020]

The story could have been very touching, and the characters very deep. Instead, we get a romantic comedy that is thinly disguised as a family drama. The technical aspects are very homemade quality. There are many shots that fringes severely that even footage shot on a mobile phone would look better. There is another shot that you can see the edge of the filter on the lens as well. Overall, this may be fine for a student project, but not as a theatrical release.