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7

Bruce722Jul 27, 2014

The Family was a good movie and honestly, delivered about as good as it possibly could. There was plenty of humor, some great wit and "mob" dialogue, and the acting was fantastic. Honestly, De Niro was the least impressive role in the film. IThe Family was a good movie and honestly, delivered about as good as it possibly could. There was plenty of humor, some great wit and "mob" dialogue, and the acting was fantastic. Honestly, De Niro was the least impressive role in the film. I loved how they featured the children a bit more and showed how their lives have been affected by the whole ordeal. That being said, the plot wasn't overly original or exciting so the ceiling for a film like this is relatively low. The only thing I felt the movie did wrong was how the family's location was discovered. To me, the entire conflict of the movie hinging on such a ridiculously coincidental happenstance was lazy writing and, while you get over it during the conclusion, it was still rather unfortunate that the went in that direction. Overall though, it's a solid film that never bores.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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5

amboySep 24, 2013

Luc Besson has no sense of genre or tone. Film noir finds humor in amorality, in contradictions, in hypocrisy--not in sadistic violence. And comic strip satire can't build suspense which the last half hour of the film tries to create. TheLuc Besson has no sense of genre or tone. Film noir finds humor in amorality, in contradictions, in hypocrisy--not in sadistic violence. And comic strip satire can't build suspense which the last half hour of the film tries to create. The result is a train wreck of a movie despite good performances especially by Michelle Pfeiffer.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

BrianMcCriticDec 21, 2013

A fairly mediocre film that is just good enough for a mild recommendation. Robert De Niro in a gangster movie no question it's over done but at least he knows the terrain. B-

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

SEROJSep 30, 2013

4/10 is a fair score, because i think some people will like it and some not, but for me it was a very decent movie! Good acting, poor story and decent action brings me to this final score.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

RamblingMangoOct 17, 2013

Good mafia movie with a lot of dark humor. Seems more like it should have been two movies or at least a continuation of some made for tv series. @ramblingmango

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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1

ScottixboyDec 6, 2013

This movie doesn't even deserve a score, I couldn't even get passed the first hour without losing my temper at how stupid this movie is. Firstly, having lived in France as a British student for the last 3 years, I have to say that theThis movie doesn't even deserve a score, I couldn't even get passed the first hour without losing my temper at how stupid this movie is. Firstly, having lived in France as a British student for the last 3 years, I have to say that the portrayal of France and French people is abysmal, I don't expect realism, but I at least expect respect toward the things that make France such a wonderful place. Firstly, you'll meet maybe 1-in-10 people who even speak a TINY BIT of English, this movie blows it out of proportion, I appreciate them speaking English as the film is aimed at English speaking audiences, but it also sadly pointed out how dumb the dialogue was. Also, French food is absolutely wonderful and for the most part, isn't much different from the food available in the US and Britain, in fact, almost ALL stores sell British foods, Not at one point have I not been able to get something I've been looking for in some way or another. This movie goes out of it's way to insult French foods, I find it disgusting how they even have the audacity to do that. Next is the portrayal of French people themselves, this films portrays them as being rude, intruding and selfish, NONE of which is factual, the French, especially in the rural areas are the kindest people you will ever meet and they love having guests in their country, obviously, you will meet the odd bigot who dislikes you for being foreign, but this film knocks it out of the ball park in that regard. Now that I've covered that. Lets look at the movie itself, the acting for the most part is okay, But the kids can't act, not at one point did I find their roles believable.

At the end of the day, all I see in this movie, is a family full of moving to a town full of bigots and watch the main character randomly kill people he dislikes and watch everyone else do insanely stupid things for absolutely no reason. Not at one point did I even smile through the small amount of this movie that I watched.

The problem lies in the direction, this film tried to be comedy, but there is NOTHING funny about the situation, Why are films like The Iceman and Goodfellas so great? Because they are dark, brutal and serious. If this film took the correct direction, it could have been a dark and brutal gangster film, but it decided to go with the quirky comic approach to a situation only madman would find funny.

It's a shame because De Niro's acting is superb as always, shame everything else about the movie lacks any sense or logic. Maybe one day Il give the film the benefit of the doubt and watch it with a few friends, but I honestly couldn't see the film getting any better.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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4

tropicAcesSep 17, 2013

Everyone in this movie is unnecessarily violent. I'm not even going all Jim Carrey preachy here but the main characters beat up innocent civilians for no good reason at least a dozen times with tennis rackets and baseball bats. And when theEveryone in this movie is unnecessarily violent. I'm not even going all Jim Carrey preachy here but the main characters beat up innocent civilians for no good reason at least a dozen times with tennis rackets and baseball bats. And when the mafia style shootout starts, it's over in 10 minutes. Every scene just was paced poorly and overall this was a hugely wasted opportunity, especially considering the cast.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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6

gunnyartSep 13, 2013

I was expecting a raucous mobster comedy reminiscent of "Analyze This" but It just wasn't that funny. In fact I think I was about the only person in the theater laughing... and not very often. In spite of his brilliant career DeNiro hasI was expecting a raucous mobster comedy reminiscent of "Analyze This" but It just wasn't that funny. In fact I think I was about the only person in the theater laughing... and not very often. In spite of his brilliant career DeNiro has become typecast and Tommy Lee Jones' dry wit was completely stifled. It further lost its comedic identity when it swung abruptly in the other direction to wrap up as a "too serious" dramatic action flick. I didn't hate it and It did serve up a couple laugh out loud moments but as so often happens, it failed to deliver the goods that the trailer was selling. I guess you could say forgettaboutit, I already have.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

Calypso911Sep 14, 2013

Subtle humor is sparsely accessible to cheap slapstick comedy fans, kitsch-ish monster/dragon/vampire lovers, so thank you Mr. Besson for raising the bar. Brilliant casting/acting helped as well. Snobbish critics, please feel free to smirkSubtle humor is sparsely accessible to cheap slapstick comedy fans, kitsch-ish monster/dragon/vampire lovers, so thank you Mr. Besson for raising the bar. Brilliant casting/acting helped as well. Snobbish critics, please feel free to smirk your nose.… Expand

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

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4

Compi24Sep 14, 2013

De Niro and Pfeiffer may give it their all, but "The Family" ultimately succumbs to the burden of its own ridiculousness and fairly unlikable characters.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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5

Movie1997Sep 15, 2013

While there's some good acting, it's still not enough to hold this "dark mob comedy together. Overall, it's a forgettable mob movie. Be sure to check out my YouTube channel "TheMovieManLife" for all things movies.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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8

arminm1Sep 13, 2013

Great performance by Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer and one of the best comedy of the year I don't understand the critical bashing RogerEbert.com gave it 3/4 and that's enough for me

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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10

410MaXiMuSDec 10, 2013

It would seem a lot of people just don't "get" this film. It's not quite as loud & stupid as most of the big comedy movies in recent years and I think the fans of those movies are the same people that don't understand this one. Anyway, IIt would seem a lot of people just don't "get" this film. It's not quite as loud & stupid as most of the big comedy movies in recent years and I think the fans of those movies are the same people that don't understand this one. Anyway, I loved it and would watch it again. The family members were very enjoyable and I would actually like to see a sequel. The only part of the movie I didn't like (spoiler incoming immediately) is when the daughter tried to kill herself over the math teacher. 1st of all she talked and acted like a female who has already experienced sex, a lot of sex. Yet it is revealed that the math teacher was her 1st.... and then she wants to kill herself because he didn't fall madly in love with her after hooking up one time? Um, ok then. But besides that I have no complaints.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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0

not2pickeySep 18, 2013

My review is going to be very short because this movie doesn't deserve a lot of analysis. This movie was billed as a dark comedy, there is a lot of darkness via the extreme violence and not a chuckle in the whole movie. As far as I wasMy review is going to be very short because this movie doesn't deserve a lot of analysis. This movie was billed as a dark comedy, there is a lot of darkness via the extreme violence and not a chuckle in the whole movie. As far as I was concerned I never smiled, giggled and certainly never laughed. How can you laugh at gratuitous violence to undeserving innocent people. It was so predictable that it held no surprises whatsoever. Don't waste your money. After 10 minutes I wanted to ask for a refund, but my friend had fallen asleep and I did not want to wake him up and tell him we were leaving. So I sat through the whole stinking thing. Basically this movie was not funny at all. Unless you were a ten-year old. And the movie is way too violent for a 10 year old. The theater was fairly crowded but the people were not laughing. This film is pure pornography. Not sexual pornography but violence pornography. If I'm going to watch pornography it's going to have babes with big boobs and guys with big well you know!
Basically A Diarrhea of Violence… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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8

JudgeMathewNov 1, 2013

I don't know what to exactly "say" about this movie. The acting was top-notch throughout the entirety of the film, and there were some great moments. What genre of movie does The Family happen to fall under? There's no real way to nail itI don't know what to exactly "say" about this movie. The acting was top-notch throughout the entirety of the film, and there were some great moments. What genre of movie does The Family happen to fall under? There's no real way to nail it down as it can be serious at moments while completely unbelievable and funny at others. Few sub-plots throughout The Family could have and should have not been included. Worth a watch if you're fond of Robert De Niro.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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3

PStakhivOct 3, 2013

While having a solid cast, Luc Beson delivered one of the worst picture in his career! Humor in it was written for 12 year old boys, plot is boring and predictable. De Niro never before played such a hollow character! This movie is waste of time

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

TVJerrySep 18, 2013

A New York mob family in witness protection (headed by Robert De Niro & Michelle Pfeiffer) moves into a small French village, but their old habits die hard (literally). When they're crossed, all four of them are prone to violence, whichA New York mob family in witness protection (headed by Robert De Niro & Michelle Pfeiffer) moves into a small French village, but their old habits die hard (literally). When they're crossed, all four of them are prone to violence, which provides much of the film's dark humor. Director Luc Besson ("Taken" 1& 2 and "Transporter" 1, 2, 3) knows how to stage action, which pops in regularly. The comedy generates more smirks that laughs, but the enjoyable performances and assured direction combine to create a slight, but fun entertainment.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

GreatMartinSep 13, 2013

Though being sold as a comedy “The Family” didn’t get a single laugh, smile or giggle from the audience with the over the top violence and even at points when it is trying to be a spoof or parody or satire the sadistic beatings and variousThough being sold as a comedy “The Family” didn’t get a single laugh, smile or giggle from the audience with the over the top violence and even at points when it is trying to be a spoof or parody or satire the sadistic beatings and various scenes with hammers, bats, heated grills cut off any smile you might have.

Michelle Pfeiffer, as beautiful as ever, is funny just with a look from a scene shown in the coming attractions and even not considered a stretch for Robert De Niro he has a few joyous moments ‘debating’ “GoodFellas”. Playing husband and wife they are in a witness protection program with their children played by Dianna Agron, who certainly can pass for Pfeiffer’s daughter and while John D’Leo bares no resemblance to any of the other three he does come off as a chip off the old block of his gangster father.

Tommy Lee Jones adds some weight to the film just with his presence but has a role that he can only walk through. Many of the supporting players as police or FBI agents and gangsters all look, and act, their roles believably.

I think the enjoyment of this films comes from the director Luc Besson, who also had a hand in the screenplay with Michael Caleo, and executive producer Martin Scorsese who have been in this territory before and don’t take themselves seriously.

“The Family” is much better than expected which is always a good surprise when going to the movies.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

analogkid280Sep 17, 2013

This flavor will mostly appeal to older audiences leaving younger people bored and wondering. All actors reprising old characters. Tommy Lee Jones as head of an FBI division, De Niro a mobster, and Pheiffer as married to a mob, wow what aThis flavor will mostly appeal to older audiences leaving younger people bored and wondering. All actors reprising old characters. Tommy Lee Jones as head of an FBI division, De Niro a mobster, and Pheiffer as married to a mob, wow what a stretch. Either way it does make for a charming 2 hours you will spend in the theater since a movie like this is easy breezy for these skilled Hollywood elite. and the kids will keep it somewhat fresh enough to pass for new material.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

JPG127Sep 13, 2013

Overall, The Family was an o.k. movie. The acting was good and no one really felt out of place. However, the pacing was medium and it was more of a dark comedy as opposed to an action film. Also, It is just hard to believe the FBI wouldOverall, The Family was an o.k. movie. The acting was good and no one really felt out of place. However, the pacing was medium and it was more of a dark comedy as opposed to an action film. Also, It is just hard to believe the FBI would relocate an entire family to another country not Canada and everyone in France speaking English and not French.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

KivaOct 12, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Family is not such a bad film actually. I enjoyed the film as it had that black humor that I've never seen in a film and it has all the time many funny moments. The whole family even the dog) were a good presence in the film and the characters were built in such way that everyone had something different. Really liked the shooting scene. It reminded me a bit of Kick-ass. There is only one problem in that film. The story has some gaps such as why did they move in Normandie? That is not explained in the film. All in all, if you forget about that problem the family is interesting and humorous black comedy with lots of fun and with a really good Robert De niro and Michelle Pfeiffer… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

ThegodfathersonSep 13, 2013

The Family doesn’t represent Besson at his best, but here the filmmaker once again proves that he is a storyteller who knows how to produce European pop-art cinema that is far more delightful (and, in many ways, more intelligent) than youThe Family doesn’t represent Besson at his best, but here the filmmaker once again proves that he is a storyteller who knows how to produce European pop-art cinema that is far more delightful (and, in many ways, more intelligent) than you might expect, based on the film’s sitcom-style description. There are certainly worse ways to spend two hours at the theater than by watching De Niro play an old Mobster in a self-reflexive action/comedy (emphasis on the comedy) made by an eccentric French autuer.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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7

Dimitris01Oct 22, 2013

The first half is mediocre but the second one is better. The film doesn't have the usual stupid jokes, each character is given his/her own subplot, the performances are good and the ending is satisfying. Moreover Dianna Agron is gorgeous.The first half is mediocre but the second one is better. The film doesn't have the usual stupid jokes, each character is given his/her own subplot, the performances are good and the ending is satisfying. Moreover Dianna Agron is gorgeous.
argonautis.eu… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

TheQuietGamerFeb 14, 2014

An unbelievably slow paced movie. There are moments of humor or violence thrown to give this movie a pulse every now and then, but ultimately this is a very dull and lifeless film. The film is at's best when it is focusing on humor. TheAn unbelievably slow paced movie. There are moments of humor or violence thrown to give this movie a pulse every now and then, but ultimately this is a very dull and lifeless film. The film is at's best when it is focusing on humor. The violence just comes off as sadistic and cruel. John D'leo steals the show. He, Dianna Agron, and the plots surrounding them end up being the best parts of the movie, making the parents (Pfieffer and De Niro) uninteresting. They do not save the movie from ultimately being boring however, and Agron's story ends up turning into just another broken heart story.

Overall I found this movie to be a boring waste of time. There's not enough humor and much it's violence ends up coming off as unnecessary. There are some interesting bits here and there, but overall the film is lifeless and uninteresting. My recommendation is that you just pass this film by. It falls short in just about every area leaving the film to be stuck in some sort of limbo of mediocrity. I thought this mob family would be more interesting.… Expand