Family (III) (2018) User Reviews

Some Laughs in This Quirky and Predictable Comedy

[larrys3 · 6/10 · 17 July 2019]

Some laughs here, as well as some rough spots, in this quirky and predictable comedy starring Taylor Schilling. She is excellent in her portrayal of Kate, a completely self-absorbed workaholic, employed as a Senior V.P. for a New Jersey hedge fund.

Kate is asked by her brother to watch over her 11-year-old niece Maddie (Bryn Vale) for one night while they place his mother-in-law in hospice care. Of course, I don't have to tell you things will not go according to plan and they'll be plenty of misadventures and lessons to be learned along the way.

In addition to Vale's fine performance, Kate McKinnon and Brian Tyree Henry add well to the mix here in supporting roles. All in all, I did get some laughs at times, and I would say this movie was a decent feature debut for writer and director Laura Steinel.

Forget about the 1 star haters

[Minnesota_Reid · 7/10 · 28 April 2019]

While this is not a great movie, it was funny enough. If you're only going for Kate McKinnon, her role is small but choice. But the main cast was also solid. Well worth watching.

But take a closer look at the user reviews. Funny thing -- all of the 1 star reviews were posted on the same day. It looks to me like a bunch of haters got together and vomited their bile on this movie.

Great film that shouldn't be overlooked!

[mentalcase402 · 7/10 · 25 December 2019]

The basic set up will remind you of Uncle Buck, but thankfully the film has more going for it than just that. The acting all around is great. Taylor Schilling does a really good job playing this type of character and was fun seeing other familiar faces pop up in bit roles here and there as well such as Brian Tyree Henry (playing a martial arts instructor which is a interesting turn for him), Kate McKinnon, Allison Tolman, and Natasha Lyonne. The juggalos were mostly portrayed fairly accurately and it was fun seeing the Insane Clown Posse themselves show up towards the end though I wish their scene had been longer or that they played a slightly bigger role I guess (but also understand the main story wasn't really about them). All in all don't overlook this one. Sure the title Family is a little generic for a film but that's really my only negative. The comedy lands really well and is actually fresh and hilarious rather than material that felt recycled. Dialogue especially was a standout.

Eschews Hollywood Tropes While Embracing an Edgier Approach

[IboChild · 7/10 · 20 April 2019]

In a typical Hollywood film, the protagonist has to be likeable. If she's a career woman, more often than not she's also obsessed with finding a man. "Family" throws those and other familiar tropes out of window. Another is the too-cute-for-own-good sidekick or child, who shows the protagonist how to be a better person. Kate (Taylor Schilling) is a mean and self-absorbed executive when she is forced to take care of her awkward neice Maddie (Bryn Vale), who'd rather be doing roundhouse karate kicks than pirouettes in ballet class. Sure, the two learn from each other, but not necessarily in ways that typical movie audiences would expect. Depending on your sensibility, this could be either refreshing or infuriating, but never boring. The cast of mostly fresh faces keep things moving along. For those looking for a comedy with more of an edge than the typical film showing at the multplex, "Family" is definitely worth a look.

Incredible acting and comedy

[florence_n · 22 April 2019]

After seeing this movie it is hard to believe it was laura steinel's directional debut. Beautifully made and written. The cast are sensational, Taylor Schilling had me laughing with only a facial expression, she is incredible, hugely underrated. This movie is comedy in it finest form, go see it, you won't be disappointed!

THE JUGGALOS?

[richard-teemal-172-789865 · 6/10 · 17 July 2019]

Say what you will but the "juggalos" are polarising so ... yeah that. Other than that, it is a good story.

Editing

[dsbradley-130-80698 · 6/10 · 22 July 2019]

Doesn't anybody pay attention to the editing?? This light comedy could be a winner. The acting is comedic perfection. Unfortunately, it's out of sequence. I'm sure it's there in the rushes, but the editing is just off. It's like so many other films that are rushed to meet budget. Too bad... because the actors provide quality work. Good try.....once again.

Not a Funny Ha-Ha Comedy

[boblipton · 6/10 · 27 April 2019]

Kate McKinnon is locked-down and focused on her job, so depressed she can't pick up on the least human emotion. When she has to supervise her niece for a week, she hates everything about it.

I've been appreciative of Miss McKinnon's work for several years now, and she performs the low-affect depressive character very well. In fact, almost everyone in this movie seems to be working in some form of depression, some situationally, some stuck there. Her father is a drunk. Her brother, whom she depended on growing up, is estranged. Her sister-in-law's mother is dying, her niece is bullied at school... well, it's all a mess. On top of that, her niece has a friend who's a Juggalo, a fan of Insane Clown Posse, a group that makes Deadheads look about as obsessive as fans of the Easy Listening channel on your radio. A few years ago, the FBI classified them as a 'hybrid gang', and they fought and won against the classification.

It is a comedy in the classic sense, even though nothing very funny happens. The story is a little too neat, and the symbols too obvious. The performances are good.

Stumbled upon this film and loved it.

[PsychoBeard666 · 8/10 · 10 February 2020]

Taylor Schilling is excellent here, playing against type as an unlikeable, socially awkward singleton who has no time for anyone or anything. The child actor is this was 100% believable and not as all distracting. A great performance. The writing was excellent and even managed to make Insane Clown Posse likeable. My only issue with this film was the sound editing. The dialogue was quiet but the music quite loud.

A fun watch and a win for the talented Taylor Schilling

[Ali_C_77 · 7/10 · 18 June 2023]

So, maybe it's a me. I'm a midwestern girl who's been to a Tech 9 concert (joined by E40!! Whoop whoop!) and danced & moshed with Juggalos, so I felt connected to this film. I thought Taylor was funny. Her droll delivery and deadpan quips were delightful! Not always LOL, but funny still. This movie is rated R, so the humor was edgy, and often crass. The kid was the nougat to Taylor's nutty, rigid character... a character that needed some softness and sweetness added to her life. I was moved, and even though the ending was predictable, it wasn't cheesy. I love the message that we all have stuff others think is weird. We are who we are, even if parents and others don't get us. Austin, Texas knows best... just embrace the weird, and you'll get along fine.

This was a comedy???!?!?

[kedric-79629 · 1/10 · 18 April 2019]

I never laughed once. This must be the first time anyone involved has made a movie. This should never be seen by anyone.

Very enjoyable, Taylor Schilling is awesome!

[UniqueParticle · 8/10 · 3 January 2020]

A very lovely story, pretty funny, and heartwarming! All the stuff that happens is entertaining; everything about Family is great I'd highly recommend it. I love watching Taylor Schilling in anything after Orange is the new black.

Lost opportunity

[ginjaninja-43907 · 6/10 · 23 January 2023]

I had high hopes for this. The topic and scenario has so many freak possibilities. Juggalos come from all walks of life and they aren't all the stereotype and they could have capitalized on this so much more. It was so uninspired from direction to acting. No heart and no risk taking. I've seen the main actress before and she is capable of so much more. The neighbor who was from SNL would have been a mm uch better choice for the starring role. She is always funny even in this small geuat role. If you have nothing else to watch and are easily amused then give it a shot, just don't have high expectations.

Poorly written.

[catina-74043 · 1/10 · 18 April 2019]

This movie was almost impossible to watch. The director was terrible.

Just plain bad.

[shanay-72604 · 18 April 2019]

This was supposed to be a comedy but it was painfully unfunny. I regret having wasted my time.

Enjoy but angry

[jybeachem · 6/10 · 28 February 2021]

I gave this a lower score only because I felt like all the support cast where the villains in this. It was heartfelt and cute with the aunt and niece and there not fitting in with people. But the way the aunt is looked at as bad because she tells the truth in a blunt way got me annoyed because others where in the wrong and made to look like the victim. It also showed that this was a first timer with a feature film how they set up one scenario and quickly contradict it a scene later.

Weird family movie. One to watch.

[sanjuthorat · 8/10 · 11 April 2020]

It's really a great family movie. It comforts you and tells the real fact that all are weird in there core. Once you understand and accept your weirdness then there's nothing stopping you enjoying your life. Surprised to see lower rating.

The worst movie ever!

[jonee-90798 · 1/10 · 18 April 2019]

The only thing worse than the writing was the directing. Trust me, never see this movie!!

Funniest movie I've seen in a while

[katlubieski · 9/10 · 8 February 2020]

Thoroughly enjoyed this flick...a lighthearted, feel-good movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. It was funny. Taylor Schilling and Kate McKinnon are hilarious. I will likely watch it again when I need a good laugh.

Terrible

[13Funbags · 1/10 · 18 April 2019]

This movie is awkward and poorly written. It offended my sensibilities and was extremely stale. Laura Stienel is the worst director that ever lived. I hope she never does another movie.

Extremely well written. Hilarious

[schiller-04987 · 10/10 · 12 March 2018]

I saw this movie yesterday and it was just really well written. A complete breath of fresh air to the movie industry that we have become accustomed to. Dialogue and genuine care for the characters makes the experience so enjoyable.

I hope to see more movies like this in the future.

Hated it!

[bunia-74475 · 1/10 · 18 April 2019]

I watch some bad movies but this takes the cake. I'd rather watch paint dry.

refreshing flick!

[decolonize · 8/10 · 3 April 2020]

I had no idea i would enjoy this movie so much! well worth watching!

Hard to watch.

[beck-72335 · 1/10 · 18 April 2019]

The story is uncomfortable and the directing is atrocious. I can't believe this movie got made.

Enjoyable Family Comedy

[adriannoble-22634 · 9/10 · 15 December 2019]

Wasn't familiar with the lead actress here, Taylor Shilling who has starred in "Orange is the New Black" and "Argo," so was pleasantly surprised, just watched it on Sky This is a genuinely feel good family Comedy from Laura Steinel in her Directorial debut..who also wrote the film. The film is well written and directed, the Movie just flows well and tells the story with wit and emotion and I'm hard to please when it comes to a decent film. Oh, and you have to watch the film to find out what a "Jugallo" is..go in, watch it, you will giggle throughout