family 2018 movie review

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Common Sense Media Review

Language, drinking in affecting comedy about acceptance.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Family is about a selfish, blunt workaholic (Taylor Schilling) whose unexpected week with her middle school-age niece (Bryn Vale) changes her in important ways. The main characters learn to have empathy for each other and for themselves, and both make positive changes in their lives…

Why Age 15+?

Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "p---y," "ass," and "

An adult handles stress by drinking; she gulps down wine, shots, cocktails. One

Brief conversation about using two condoms for birth control (a character correc

Viewers hear how violent a group of Juggalos is (talk of them stabbing each othe

Any Positive Content?

Mixed messages about women and girls (a set of middle school bullies is insulted

Kate is selfish and painfully blunt, but softens over course of movie, acknowled

Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "p---y," "ass," and "bulls--t." A middle school-age child is called a "loser," and others are called "dogs" and "freaks."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

An adult handles stress by drinking; she gulps down wine, shots, cocktails. One scene shows many cocktails being downed. A character shows up drunk at a school; she takes a Lyft there and is driven by a sober friend so she doesn't drive drunk. At a gathering of Juggalos, people smoke joints and share large bongs; a character talks about being addled because she's on a lot of drugs.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Brief conversation about using two condoms for birth control (a character correctly says that it's safer to use just one) and some talk about dating. Two characters seem headed toward a romance at the end of the movie, but they never kiss.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Violence & Scariness

Viewers hear how violent a group of Juggalos is (talk of them stabbing each other and damaging public property, and viewers see them fistfighting), but they ultimately emerge as sweet eccentrics who drop everything to search for a lost kid. A bullied girl fights back against her foes by kicking one so hard she falls down; the kicker is then suspended from school. A woman is injured by a closing garage door.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

Mixed messages about women and girls (a set of middle school bullies is insulted for being "dogs" and "bitches," and one girl is said to have a "lazy eye"), but also very sweet messages about empathy, unity, importance of feeling like you belong, being true to yourself, understanding that most people feel like "freaks" inside no matter what they look like outside.

Positive Role Models

Kate is selfish and painfully blunt, but softens over course of movie, acknowledges her faults and need to be kinder. Adults are deeply involved with the young characters. Even though bullied middle school girl joins a socially reviled group with off-putting outward attributes, viewers see that the group accepts her as she is, cares for her. Some stereotyping, including middle school "mean girls" group. An adult woman calls them "dogs," says they don't have right to pick on others because they're so unattractive. At 11, Maddie is empathetic toward others: When told that it should make her happy to shop for a dress when there are poor kids who can't, she logically answers, "Why would that make me happy? It just makes me sad those kids are poor." A mom who thinks "karate is for boys" learns better. Characters are diverse in race, ethnicity, gender, body type.

Parents need to know that Family is about a selfish, blunt workaholic ( Taylor Schilling ) whose unexpected week with her middle school-age niece (Bryn Vale) changes her in important ways. The main characters learn to have empathy for each other and for themselves, and both make positive changes in their lives. A girl who feels like she doesn't fit in is bullied by a group of female classmates who are then spoken of in stereotypical terms (as "dogs," "bitches," and "mean girls"); the girl ultimately defeats them by kicking one to the ground (she's suspended for it). At the same time, the girl also finds a group of friends who accept her for who she is. Despite some iffy choices, those friends are eventually revealed to be kind-hearted, thoughtful, and caring (even if viewers see them shrieking, punching each other, and sharing giant bongs). In other scenes, adults guzzle wine and cocktails; they don't usually appear drunk, but in one scene a character does show up drunk at a school. Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "p---y," "ass," "bulls--t"; several characters are also called (or call themselves) "freaks." There's no sex or romance, but there's a brief joke involving condoms and suggestions of the potential for romance between two characters. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (2)
• Kids say (1)

Based on 2 parent reviews

This is a 5 year old movie

What's the story.

Kate ( Taylor Schilling ) has her eyes on the prize at work and doesn't have a lot of time for FAMILY. But when her brother ( Eric Edelstein ) and sister-in-law ( Allison Tolman ) have to leave town for an emergency, Kate's the only one available to take care of her 11-year-old niece, Maddie (Bryn Vale). Kate figures she can hold things together as usual, despite a challenging period at work. But Maddie's a kid who needs help -- and, luckily, she finds it, thanks to Kate and a friendly group of local Juggalos (followers of the band Insane Clown Posse).

Is It Any Good?

It churns through plenty of cinematic clichés along the way, but ultimately this comedy gets to a place of genuine sweetness -- in a gathering of the Juggalos, of all places. Viewers will instantly recognize Schilling's Kate from the first scenes: She's tightly wound, all business, with no time for friends or family. "I have a habit of saying things that everyone is thinking, but then someone's always like 'Why did you say that?' so I'm usually in the place where I hate myself but also think I'm better than everybody else," she sums up to Maddie. We know, by the way, that Maddie will be the driving force of Kate's story arc, because of course Kate has to change by the time the credits roll, or why else would she be dressed in pristine white silk shirts and frowning? So change she does, and in all the ways you imagine she will -- but the magic of Family is that it's done with such artistry that it transcends the trite setup.

Maddie is a weird kid, but the movie's not laughing at her -- even though her true friends wind up being Juggalos who hang out in front of a mini mart playing a recorder. We feel the pain of her differentness from the kids at school, as well as her joy at finding a group that accepts her as she is -- and an aunt who can help her feel comfortable and supported in choosing to stand out rather than trying fruitlessly to fit in. Maddie's new friends, as Kate tells Maddie's worried mom, "play with their spit, and all their songs are about stabbing people, but once you get beyond that, they're really kind of sweet." And, without giving away the ending, it's true. No, it's not realistic, but Family gets at a real feeling: the wonder of finding your people. And clichéd as it is, it's awfully affecting.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Family compares to other family-centered movies. Does the content seem more or less realistic than others'? How is this family different from other movie families?

Is it ever OK to use stereotypes as a way of portraying characters? Do you see any stereotypes in this movie? Do the characters ultimately affirm or upend their stereotypes?

How do the characters in Family demonstrate empathy ? Why are these important character strengths ?

How does the movie portray drinking ? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?

Movie Details

• In theaters : April 19, 2019
• On DVD or streaming : July 16, 2019
• Cast : Taylor Schilling , Brian Tyree Henry , Kate McKinnon , Bryn Vale
• Director : Laura Steinel
• Inclusion Information : Female directors, Female actors, Black actors, Lesbian actors
• Studio : The Film Arcade
• Genre : Comedy
• Character Strengths : Empathy
• Run time : 85 minutes
• MPAA rating : R
• MPAA explanation : language, some sexual content and drug use
• Last updated : July 27, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

What to watch next.

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Family (III) (2018)

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‘family’: film review | sxsw 2018.

Taylor Schilling plays a woman stuck caring for a misfit 11-year-old in Laura Steinel's comic debut, 'Family.'

By THR Staff

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A self-improvement-through-childcare comedy exposing the hitherto unknown potential of the Insane Clown Posse to enable young girls’ emotional growth, Laura Steinel’s Family introduces an 11-year-old girl ready to run off and join the Juggalos . Playing the career-minded jerk stuck temporarily with caring for the kid, Taylor Schilling colors within the lines of the Bad Fill-in-the-Blank misbehavior genre, with a performance that is less debauched than self-centered to the point of criminal negligence. Enjoyable despite its familiarity, the pic has commercial appeal well beyond the Faygo-guzzling demographic.

Schilling’s Kate is her workplace’s requisite pariah — the one who says what she thinks without checking to see who might be standing behind her. Her tactlessness is so extreme she isn’t even welcome at office celebrations (though the call of cake is too strong for her to ignore).

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She’s the kind of career striver who has not only rejected the notion of starting her own family but has practically deleted siblings from her memory banks as well. When she gets an emergency call from her nearby brother (Eric Edelstein ), she has to be reminded where he lives, and she certainly doesn’t remember the name of his pre-teen Maddie (Bryn Vale). But Maddie’s grandmother is dying, and her parents need one day to go move her into hospice; though Kate puts up a fight, she agrees to watch Maddie for the night while they’re away.

Even the briefest stay away from her tidy apartment life requires suburban compromises Kate is unwilling to make: She can’t bring herself to shut the garage door at the request of the family’s next-door neighbor Jill, the kind of capital-M Mom who has the neighborhood association’s bylaws memorized. (A high-strung Kate McKinnon is ideal here, over-friendly with an undercurrent of I will rip your eyes out .)

Kate is late to pick Maddie up from ballet, of course, and catches the stout child, in her ballerina garb, practicing kicks in the dojo next door. Sensei Pete (Brian Tyree Henry) has been happy to have her as an unofficial karate student for weeks; over dinner, Maddie explains that her parents are pushing her to be more feminine and fit in at school, where she is bullied.

This is a topic on which Kate can commiserate without feeling she has made an emotional investment. Asking to see pictures of the girls who torment her, Kate has fun eviscerating them: This one has boobs but will be fat before long; that one has a lazy eye — who the hell are they to mock a chubby nonconformist?! Cautiously questioned by the girl, who admires this confidence but feels nothing of the sort herself, Kate reveals a baseline truth: “I hate myself, but I still feel like I’m better than everybody else.”

When this overnight babysitting gig stretches out to a week, Kate has to juggle watching the kid with her work responsibilities, seeing for the first time what life is like for the colleagues she disdains. Steinel succinctly justifies some of Kate’s antisocial behaviors with scenes at the office: When she invents a “family emergency” to excuse being late for a meeting, the men in the room look sideways at her, as if she might be about to go baby-crazy on them; and an enthusiastic young hire who wants Kate to mentor her (Jessie Ennis) is all too ready to go drinking with clients if Kate needs to meet with Maddie’s teacher at school.

One of Kate’s neglectful moments leaves Maddie in the company of a kid ( Fabrizio Zacharee Guido) who calls himself Baby Joker and loves the Insane Clown Posse. As he tells her about the Juggalos , who have formed an entire society-rejecting lifestyle around the band, Maddie decides she has found her people. Soon she’s putting on scary facepaint and doing tricks with spit.

Vale has a plainspoken stubbornness that highlights the unreasonableness of the rules Maddie’s expected to live by, making it easy for Schilling to connect the kid’s plight to Kate’s. Their quick but incomplete bond is easier to buy than the adult/kid pairings in some similar films, and Steinel doesn’t push it until a climax set at the infamous Gathering of the Juggalos . There, the film has fun with the subculture’s notoriety in funny if credibility-stretching ways, concluding that, whatever their outward signs of mayhem, “once you get past all that, they’re really kind of sweet.” Mini-interviews with real-life Juggalos over the closing credits cements the film’s obvious message: When the world treats you poorly, Family is wherever you find it.

Production company: Naegle Ink Cast: Taylor Schilling, Bryn Vale, Brian Tyree Henry, Jessie Ennis, Blair Beeken , Matt Walsh, Allison Tolman , Eric Edelstein , Kate McKinnon , Fabrizio Guido Director-screenwriter: Laura Steinel Producers: Sue Naegle , Kit Giordano Executive producers: Laura Steinel , Dan Kaplow , Taylor Schilling, Jeremy Garelick , Viviana Zarragoitia , Ali Jazayeri Director of photography: Michael Simmonds Production designer: Jennifer Klide Costume designer: Lorraine Coppin Editor: Glenn Garland Composer: Jeremy Turner Casting director: Amey Rene Venue: SXSW Film Festival (Narrative Feature Competition) Sales: UTA

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‘Family (2018)’ Review

Stars:  Taylor Schilling, Kate McKinnon, Bryn Vale, Fabrizio Zacharee Guido, Allison Tolman, Brian Tyree Henry, Matt Walsh, Eric Edelstein, Peter Horton, Jessie Ennis, Karan Kendrick, Juan Gaspard | Written and Directed by Laura Steinel

I was drawn to 2018’s Family initially by the lead-casting of Taylor Schilling, mainly because of how much I liked her throughout the seasons of Orange is the New Black . I also found an appeal in the synopsis, which sounded fresh, interesting and fun. Who doesn’t dig that kind of thing? As for the brief idea here, we follow Kate (Schilling), a Senior V.P who is very focused on her career, but when her estranged brother asks her, last-minute, to babysit her niece Maddie, she reluctantly helps out and see’s her life becomes a chaotic one in the process. Oh, and there’s Juggalo’s too. Yep.

Directed and written by Laura Steinel, her feature debut, Family had a gloriously layered lead performance from Schilling, both funny and dramatic, relatable and believable. The overall cast do a good job in fact, with many faces being the types that you point at and say “oh, it’s that actor from that movie”. I liked Kate McKinnon here, as Jill, too, even if she wasn’t in here that much. Her character is hilariously annoying, like a fly that you want to swat away, and McKinnon plays her very well. It’s Schilling, though, as Kate, who steals this film and carries it strongly on her shoulders. She’s outspoken, a little on the tactless side, but she’s likeable too. Her life, once she falls into this scenario of babysitting her niece for days upon days, opens itself up, shows us who she is, and who she used to be, all while she forms a bond with Maddie, played by Bryn Vale ( Red Band Society ) who does another top notch job in her performance. Fabrizio Zacharee Guido does a really good job too, funny and energetic as Dennis. Really, I was impressed with the whole cast, and along with the clever and thoughtful writing, it delivered a wonderful comical drama film that is a real breath of fresh air.

I like comedy movies that have that dramatic nervous system, a depth to them that opens up conversation and makes you actually think about things. It’s funny, though, and with the heart-felt plot and well-structured script from Steinel, Family is one of those easy-to-recommend films, for sure. It’s fairly predictable, I guess, but that didn’t put me off in the slightest. It’s charming and quirky, and seeing Schilling’s work-obsessed and self-obsessed character dissolve and melt into something else was great.

A delightful and very enjoyable debut from Laura Steinel, led by a wonderful performance and some excellent supporting roles, Family shows us that people sometimes need help, even when they don’t ask for it, and that family can be found in unexpected places. It may not be the most original and poignant of films, but it certainly made me smile and the awkward and uncomfortable situations added to that enjoyment. I appreciated the freeing edge that was present here too, taking the film to a level beyond what I expected, and certainly beyond the “usual” comedy flicks that we see hit theatres nowadays. Hopefully more people check this one out, because it’s pretty damn good.

***½  3.5/5

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Directed by Laura Steinel

Kate Stone is career-focused with a brash attitude that keeps relationships at an arm's length. When her estranged brother calls asking her to baby-sit her tween niece Maddie, Kate reluctantly agrees to help. But baby-sitting overnight unexpectedly turns into a week, and Kate's life spins into chaos. As Maddie reveals stories of being bullied and of wanting to run away and be a Juggalo, the two form a unique bond.

Taylor Schilling Brian Tyree Henry Bryn Vale Allison Tolman Fabrizio Guido Kate McKinnon Peter Horton Jessie Ennis Matt Walsh Eric Edelstein Blair Beeken Karan Kendrick Shaggy 2 Dope Natasha Lyonne Juan Gaspard Violent J

Director Director

Laura Steinel

Producers Producers

Kit Giordano Sue Naegle

Writer Writer

Casting casting, editor editor.

Glenn Garland

Cinematography Cinematography

Michael Simmonds

Production Design Production Design

Jennifer Klide

Stunts Stunts

Meredith Richardson

Composer Composer

Jeremy Turner

Costume Design Costume Design

Lorraine Coppin

Stage 6 Films Naegle Ink

Releases by Date

11 mar 2018, theatrical limited, 19 aug 2018, 14 aug 2018, 11 aug 2019, 11 jul 2022, releases by country.

• Digital M YouTube
• Digital VOD
• Digital 6play
• Premiere South by Southwest Film Festival
• Theatrical limited R

84 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Evasive ★★★★ 1

This movie is funny enough on its own but the premiere was made even better by the three full rows of Juggalos that WOO WOOed every time Juggalos appeared or were mentioned at all

Review by cinéfila... 🕯️ ★★★½ 1

there's a 13 year old kid in this movie who goes by the name "baby joker" and i laughed out loud every single time it was mentioned. like i think it might the funniest thing i've ever heard in my life

Review by 🌻 lindsay 🌻 ★★★★½ 4

What a surprise this movie ended up being! I really loved this! I thought it was hilarious like I actually laughed the entire runtime. And a lot of the jokes were so subtle and quick that I found myself laughing minutes after they were said.

Also this movie is wholesome-core to the extreme. SO WHOLESOME. Both characters are messy and weird and awkward but always understandable. They were mean but never mean-spirited if that makes any sense. Like Kate was an asshole but I love seeing women who are allowed to be messy and rude and then learn to grow from that!

Maddie was the perfect representation for girls that are “weird” in middle school. It’s not that they are…

Review by {Todd} ★★★★ 2

"If you want to get off the shit list you're going to have to stop doing magic" -Kate,

There is no stronger community than the Juggalos.

In Family, a woman who is highly averse to domesticity is forced to watch her brother's daughter for nearly a week. Over the period of watching the girl she learns stuff about life and has to attend the annual meeting of the Juggalos. This was a random find on the Starz network but it is pretty good. While it's not an especially original concept, this film mostly excels because of it's heartfelt message and willingness to be weird.

The character development is a strength. I really loved Kate and Maddie, identifying with Kate's hatred…

Review by Rod Lott ★★★★½

The sweetest and funniest adolescent Juggalo comedy you ever will see.

Review by kyliegh ★★★★

horse girl this, horse girl that, meanwhile maddie's out here being the wolf girl representation the world needs

Review by Dave Taylor ★★★★

I don’t often get the urge to watch a movie more than once if I’ve seen it in the last 5 years, but Family warranted a revisit for a couple of reasons.

First, it is really funny. No, not ‘roll on the ground in hysterics’ funny, but funny enough to be consistently amusing throughout thanks to the comic timing of star, Taylor Schilling and writer/director Laura Steinel.

Secondly, it actually hits pretty close to home right now. My daughter is eleven, has a thing for wolves and fantasy books, and is having a heck of a time fitting in at school. Luckily she hasn’t been introduced to the Insane Clown Posse yet, but I can absolutely see her befriend a…

Review by Steph_h ★★★★ 2

I might be overrating this a touch but it was pretty funny and really surprised me with some of the dialogue lol … perhaps I’m also incredibly awkward with kids and feel like this could be me 🤣 oh yes

Review by Sam Herbst ★★★★ 2

This movie has so much goddamn heart that I can even excuse the literal “here’s how I got into this mess” intro. 

Transcends its cliches with a whoop-whoop-worthy cast and some genuine laughs. Taylor Schilling and Bryn Vale are Juggalo queens. 

Also: Kate McKinnon! Allison Tolman! Bryan Tyree Henry!!!

Review by Fred 🇵🇷 ★★★★ 10

Growing Pains Challenge 2020 First Time Watches Ranked

"Look, nobody knows what they're doing. And besides, everyone's a freak at the core, right?"

WHOOP-WHOOP! Don't mind me, I'm just sitting here with my juggalo warpaint on living my self-isolating life and appreciating the consistently hilarious wonder that is Laura Steinel's Family . This furiously funny coming-of-age tale told from the perspective of an acerbic Taylor Schilling (more like Taylor KILLING-it) and lovable newcomer Bryn Vale is a soothingly straightforward piece of joie-de-vivre filmmaking by way of the Insane Clown Posse, of all things. Anyone with affinity for soft tales about opening yourself up to the good in life will no doubt get a kick out of this metal-spiked movie. It's a…

Review by Alannah Rose 6

This seemed pretty fantastic from the trailers I'd seen, and it didn't disappoint. Great casting, writing and story, and even though you know where it's going and that there will be a "lesson" at the end, it never veers into cheesiness or preaching and retains its likability and humor. A legitimately funny, REAL, heartfelt and thankfully different film that should definitely be more widely seen than it will be. I also greatly appreciate the inherent humor of the ICP realm (I am not, nor will I ever be, "down with the clown").

Review by Jack ★★★ 2

"Fucking magnets, how do they work?"

If you're wondering why Juggalos are still a thing then allow this charming comedy to present a compelling argument for their existence.

Side note: Kate McKinnon gets crushed by a garage door while the audio from 'Grape Lady Falls' accompanies her flailing... hilarious!

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Family (2018)

Kate Stone is career-focused, and enjoys her life that way. Her brash attitude keeps relationships at arm's length, making her an outcast in her own right.

Member Reviews

• Hope Madden (MaddWolf.com)
• Lori Pearson (Kids-In-Mind.com) https://kids-in-mind.com/f/family-parents-guide-movie-review-rating.htm
• Starring: Taylor Schilling, Kate McKinnon, Brian Tyree Henry, Jessie Ennis
• Directed by: Laura Steinel
• Written by: Laura Steinel
• Runtime: 85 Minutes
• Rated: R for language, some sexual content and drug use
• Release Date: March 11, 2018
• Genre: Comedy

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Family Reviews

A genuine hidden gem.

Full Review | Feb 13, 2024

Family, the movie, is a frequently funny and occasionally hilarious look at the importance of family in whatever shapes it takes, whether immediate, extended or virtual.

Full Review | Jul 25, 2023

It all leads to the expected insights, but it does offer silly fun and even some touching moments along the way.

Full Review | Oct 14, 2021

Writer-director Laura Steinel's feel-good directorial debut Family subverts the cliche that single women would be more likable and complete with a child, because Taylor Schilling's socially awkward Kate never yearns for one...

Steinel's skillfully silly script is sometimes predictable but creates ample opportunity for topnotch comedic turns from Schilling, Vale, Kate McKinnon (as a nosy, bossy neighbor) and other cast...

An endearing story about characters who are less unlikeable than they fear, and who are able to find a place that feels like home.

Hooray for weird, complicated, even terrible women.

Laura Steinel's quirky, poignant comedy about a reluctant aunt and her awkward niece stands out from the crowd.

The film is full of cliches about a workaholic woman being taught life lessons by a wise, oddball child, but Schilling and especially newcomer Vale make it worth watching.

Family has its heart in the right place even if the execution is a little tepid. Schilling walks a fine line between sympathetic and tremendously unlikable, and too often her character exists in the latter zone.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 28, 2020

There are fewer comedic tropes as over-trodden as the self-absorbed adult whose life becomes enriched when a child suddenly enters their life... Little progress has been made, judging by Laura Steinel's directorial debut Family.

Full Review | Jan 24, 2020

The revelation, however, is Taylor Schilling... She's hilarious, infuriating and likable all at once.

Full Review | Jan 7, 2020

I laughed real, deep, unable to stop myself laughs. This sweet script is funny, fresh and moving. But... it's set in the oddly dark world of Juggalos which it made it struggle with marketing.

Full Review | Original Score: 8 | Jun 11, 2019

It's a brisk watch that packs in jokes. The cast is supremely talented and delivers at every turn. Most of all, Family is a movie that celebrates what makes us all different and the best of us.

Full Review | May 4, 2019

A comedy about a workaholic loner who discovers that she and her niece are not really losers.

Full Review | Original Score: 4.5 | May 3, 2019

A sunny and likable small-scale comedy about a bad role model and a hopeless kid.

Full Review | Original Score: B | May 1, 2019

Family is less a film than a cinematic recycling center.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/5 | May 1, 2019

A predictable bit of fluff played in an affected style that's more irritating than enticing.

Full Review | Original Score: C | Apr 30, 2019

It's a great flip on the usual script by ensuring this ugly duckling's lesson won't be empowerment through conformity.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Apr 30, 2019

Schilling navigates Steinel's perceptive, funny script with conviction and vulnerability.

Full Review | Apr 30, 2019

• Movie - Family - 2018

Family  (2018)  Fam-i-ly

• Release Date: 14 April 2019 (US) (more)
• Genre: Comedy (more)

Kate Stone is a socially-inept, career-focused woman who tends to keep people at an arm's length. When her estranged brother needs her to babysit his tween daughter, an unlikely bond forms between the ...Read more two as young Maddie starts to open up to her aunt.

• Laura Steinel (Director)
• Laura Steinel (Writer)
• Taylor Schilling
• Kate McKinnon
• Eric Edelstein
• Allison Tolman
• Brian Tyree Henry

Watch Online

• 2019 - Series

• Peter Horton

Kate Stone is a socially-inept, career-focused woman who tends to keep people at an arm's length. When her estranged brother needs her to babysit his tween daughter, an unlikely ...Read more bond forms between the two as young Maddie starts to open up to her aunt.

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Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, chaz's journal, great movies, contributors, instant family.

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Before my screening of “Instant Family” this week, the film’s director, Sean Anders , showed up on the big screen with a prerecorded statement. He explained to the audience that the movie they were about to watch was based on a true story—his true story. Anders and his wife adopted three children out of the foster care system and were met with untold challenges in the process, inspiring him to adapt their experiences for a big-budget studio comedy starring Mark Wahlberg .

Like the director’s statement, “Instant Family” is a movie with good intentions but is uneven in tone, leaving me with mixed feelings. It felt like the speech was preempting any criticism with sentimentality. The uneasiness continued in the film’s wild swings between tragedy and goofy comedy.

Pete (Wahlberg) and Ellie ( Rose Byrne ) are a relatively nondescript couple who flip homes and live fairly tame, childless middle-class lives. After an argument with Ellie’s sister, the pair begins thinking about having children. Worried about their age, they decide to foster in the hopes of adopting an older child. By chance, they end up interested in the case of Lizzy ( Isabela Moner ), a sharp-but-troubled teenager. The couple learns that Lizzy comes with two younger siblings, a sensitive boy named Juan (Gustavo Quiroz) and the tantrum-prone Lita ( Julianna Gamiz ), and decides to take all three home. After an all-too-brief honeymoon period, chaos starts to break out as first-time parents stumble through caring for a traumatized teenager and two scared children.

The premise of “Instant Family” is not an easy one to make light of, especially since Anders, who also co-wrote the movie, includes some serious doses of reality in the mix. The children in the foster care system may have been abused or struggling to cope with losing their parents, and the movie is refreshingly honest about those issues. However, sometimes that sincerity feels undermined in scenes like the support group sessions. There’s a moment when Pete and Ellie share how great their new foster kids are and the group laughs because the new family is in their honeymoon period, but it’s a stilted kind of laugh and feels more awkward and somewhat mean. That reaction feels staged in comparison to the relaxed bon mots thrown by Tig Notaro and Octavia Spencer , both of whom single-handedly save those scenes with their timing and delivery.

While Wahlberg and Byrne’s characters feel somewhat underwritten, Moner’s divisive character becomes the true leader of “Instant Family.” Moner’s performance is surprisingly uncanny, bringing to life a volatile personality without overacting. She could smile while delivering a ruthless insult, hurt Ellie with the smallest of gestures or fix her eyes coldly on any authority figure daring to parent her. Moner relates those defensive actions to Lizzy’s vulnerability, and she’s equally capable of crumpling into a sobbing mess or laughing with her siblings.

Anders, whose previous credits include “Daddy’s Home” and “That’s My Boy,” has tried to explore the funny side of fatherhood before. While the sincerity in “Instant Family” may not always work well with the film’s demand for punchlines, it gives a young actress like Moner a chance to show some range. Plus, with a supporting cast that includes Notaro, Spencer, Margo Martindale and Joan Cusack , there are just enough oddly sweet performances to get a good laugh. "Instant Family" isn't too schmalzy as a feel-good family movie, and it has a certain charm in its earnest appeal to tell a different story. 

Monica Castillo

Monica Castillo is a critic, journalist, programmer, and curator based in New York City. She is the Senior Film Programmer at the Jacob Burns Film Center and a contributor to  RogerEbert.com .

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Instant Family (2018)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual material, language and some drug references.

119 minutes

Mark Wahlberg as Pete

Rose Byrne as Ellie

Isabela Moner as Lizzy

Gustavo Quiroz Jr. as Juan

Julianna Gamiz as Lita

• Sean Anders
• John Morris

Cinematographer

• Brett Pawlak
• Brad E. Wilhite
• Michael Andrews

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20 Best Family Movies of 2018

A family is a very complicated unit. From parents to their children, every single person in the family is different and has a different set of preference when it comes to art and entertainment. This difference becomes more prominent between parents and children as the time passes. So, during the time of holidays, or on family nights, it becomes a difficult task to choose a film that the whole family can watch together, without anyone complaining it of being a total bore or another requiring something more evolved to watch. Due to the different age groups, among other classifications, it is natural that everyone prefers movies of a certain genre. Then, how do you pick a movie for the whole family? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. Following is the list of top family movies of 2018. The list includes some really good family comedy movies, family Christmas movies and Disney family movies.

20. Show Dogs (2018)

You might have wondered: what would the world be like if animals could talk? ‘Show Dogs’ is one of the answers to this question. It is set in a world where animals can speak human languages which have led to the assimilation of humans and animals, working together in different spheres of life. Max is a police dog who feels quite lonely, despite his image as a bold dog. An organization is using dog shows as a front for their illegal activities. They are smuggling animals and it is to expose them that Max has to go undercover and participate in the show with his human assistant.

Read More: Best Gay Movies of 2018

19. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

A girl named Clara lived with her siblings and their widowed father in Victorian London. On Christmas Eve, she receives a box that her mother had left for her, however, she doesn’t have a key to it. The search for this key leads her to another land that has been divided into four realms. She discovers that the key not only opens her box but is also essential for the working of the realms. But, the enemy has it now and Clara has to find a way to get it back. ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ portrays a colourful world in a magnificently visual way.

18. The War with Grandpa (2018)

Based on the novel of the same name by Robert Kimmel Smith, this film tells the story of a young boy who is made to share a room with his grandfather. Peter is a mischievous but good boy, and don’t mistake him for hating his grandfather. But when it comes to his room, he wants it all to himself. So, when his grandfather moves in with him, Peter sees it as an act of war. And, war it is. He conspires with his friends to make his grandfather find some other room to stay. What he doesn’t know is that grandpa might look old, but that doesn’t mean that he won’t strike back!

Read More: Best African American Movies of 2018

17. A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

Based on the novel of the same name by Madeleine L’Engle, this film is the story of a young girl who sets out on an adventurous journey to find her father. Meg’s father was an astrophysicist who had been studying the origins of the universe and then, one day, mysteriously disappeared. Meg and her mother theorised that he must have found an answer to his questions and had perhaps transferred to another world. After a visit from the intriguing astral travellers, Meg and her friends are transported to another world which leads them closer to finding her father, while opening their eyes to the hidden, and quite majestic, truths of the universe.

16. The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)

Based on the novel of the same name by John Bellairs, this film tells the story of a boy named Lewis who goes to live with his mysterious uncle. His parents had died in a car crash and because there was no one else to take care of him, he moves in with his uncle, Jonathan. The house that they live in is quite old and there is a mystifying air to it. On his first night there, Lewis hears the walls ticking and discovers the secret that his uncle had been hiding which leads to some events that bring forth the reality of his parents, as well.

Read More: Best Indie Movies of 2018

15. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)

Dracula had been living a lonely life ever since his wife died. He had his daughter Mavis, whom he loved very much, but now, even she has her own family. Even though he wants to get into the dating pool again, he believes that he will never find love again because he had already zinged before. Mavis decided that Dracula needs a change of scenery and takes him and the others on a cruise. There Dracula sees the beautiful captain of the ship and falls in love with her. ‘Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation’ is light and fun, which makes it a perfect film to watch with your family.

14. Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018)

The story of the boy raised by wolves is one of those timeless stories which will always be a fodder for films. Only recently, Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ was released and was a massive success. However, it was still like its most predecessors. It was happy and light, with a hint of tragedy. ‘Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle’ retells the story with a darker tone. In the jungle of India, Mowgli lives with a pack of wolf and under the aegis of Baloo, the bear and Bagheera, the black panther, who also act as his teachers. The animals of the jungle have accepted him as a family, except Shere Khan, who leaps at any opportunity he can get to kill the boy. But the tiger is not the only threat to Mowgli.

Read More: Top Grossing Movies of 2018

13. A Kid Like Jake (2018)

Our society loves labelling things. Be it on the basis of the way people dress up, perhaps their eating habits or the way they look, we just can’t help putting a label on each and every person that comes in our sight. We do a similar thing with our children. Even when they are small, when they know nothing about the way things work, we label them with our own definitions. And this is what Alex thinks is happening with her child, Jake. Jake is a boy but he likes dressing up. People see it as a sign of him “not being a normal boy”. Alex believes that people are being premature about it! But this simple, insignificant thing is starting to have an effect on his education.

12. Peter Rabbit (2018)

Peter Rabbit and his family enjoy the life of stealing vegetables from an old man’s garden and creating mischief along the day. Their animosity towards the old man comes from the fact that he was responsible for killing their parents. One day, the old man dies of a heart attack, trying to catch and kill Peter. After that, Peter and his family happily invade the man’s home. But their comforts are short-lived because a distant nephew of the old man inherits the house and is now coming to claim it. Peter and his family have now found a new enemy. He sets traps to get them so that he can end their mischief once and for all. They retaliate by enacting their own schemes.

Read More: Best Romantic Comedies of 2018

11. Early Man (2018)

There are a lot of ways to settle disagreements, to dissolve conflict, to end an argument. Humans have often used competitive sports to decide the winner when talking it out doesn’t settle the matter. And this isn’t something new. Humans have been using this trick since a very, very, very long time. Or at least, that’s what ‘Early Man’ suggests. This film tells the story of Dug, a caveman of Stone Age, who tries to suggest new things to the people of his tribe but is ignored by most. What his tribe doesn’t realise is that time is changing and a new age has already dawned, something that will be the end of their age. This becomes clear as crystal when they are attacked by an army of Bronze Age people.

10. Benji (2018)

A remake of 1974’s ‘Benji’, this film follows the adventures of a stray dog named Benji and his sidekick. When two kids see Benji on the road, they are enchanted by his puppy eyes and innocent face. They decide to adopt him and go as far as asking their parents. But the grownups don’t want to place the responsibility of a dog on their kids yet and refuse their request. Still, the kids have formed a bond with Benji and the dog loves them too. This is why when they are kidnapped, Benji takes it upon himself to follow their kidnapper and rescue them from immense danger.

Read More: Best Actors of 2018

9. Sherlock Gnomes (2018)

The stories of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson have inspired a handful of TV shows and movies. ‘Sherlock Gnomes’, a sequel to ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’, is the next in line. It starts with Sherlock Gnomes and Gnome Watson facing off their nemesis, Moriarty, in the national history museum in London. When a dinosaur skeleton falls on him, it looks like the end of Moriarty. But there is a bigger conspiracy at play. Gnomeo and Juliet get entangled in this mess when other gnomes go missing. Sherlock and Watson, and Gnomeo and Juliet are forced to work together to stop the mess which is being created by Moriarty.

8. Christopher Robin (2018)

Christopher Robin had spent his childhood with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and other friends, but as he grows up, the time to leave all good things behind confronts him. He is sent to boarding school, but, before leaving, he promises his friends that he will never forget them. As time passes, Christopher faces the harsh realities of life and is forced to accept the morose life, as it is. After his father dies, he has to accept his responsibilities. When the Second World War comes, he has to offer his services. And when it is finally over, he finds a job to feed his family. But he becomes so busy with his work that he starts neglecting his family. And, then, Pooh comes looking for him.

Read More: Best Reviewed Movies of 2018

7. Smallfoot (2018)

The world is full of mysterious things. People tell all sorts of stories about the unbelievable things that they have seen, but they are so incredible that they are quite hard to believe. This is what happens with Migo. He is a normal yeti who lives in the Himalayas along with his whole tribe. And then one day, he comes across a mysterious being. A thing that is unlike any animal he has ever seen. It is a human. When he tells his people about it, they refuse to believe him. So, Migo embarks on a journey to prove himself right.

6. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)

Those who have lived their childhood in the ‘Harry Potter’ era know that there is no escape from the magic that J.K Rowling’s wizarding world creates. The story of ‘Harry Potter’ ended a couple of years ago, but there were so many other storylines in the wizarding world that were left unexplored. ‘Fantastic Beasts’ picks up one of those storylines. In its previous instalment, we were introduced to the character and a stage was set for further events. This film focuses on the antagonist Grindelwald who wants the wizarding world to rule the world, while Dumbledore and Co try to thwart his plans. New characters are introduced and many details touch on the things that were told in the ‘Harry Potter franchise’.

Read More: Best R-Rated Movies of 2018

5. Isle of Dogs (2018)

Everyone loves dogs, but when a virus takes over the canine population and, if left uncontrolled, might even spread to humans, all dogs are sent to a remote island known as Trash Island. There is a scientist though, who claims to have found a cure but no one listens to him. Atari works for the mayor and when the decree is signed for the abandoning of the dogs, his dog is the first one to go. Months later, Atari hatches a plan to enter the Trash Island and bring back his beloved dog.

4. A Quiet Place (2018)

What’s a better family film to watch than the one about the family itself! ‘A Quiet Place’ is engaging, thrilling and a complete package of entertainment. No matter what age group you belong to, it is a must watch for all. It tells the story of the Abbott family that lives isolated in the wilderness, trying to stay as quiet as they can. This is because the world has been occupied by a strange type of creatures who are highly receptive to sound. If you make one sound, they’ll come to get you. The film is so eerily quiet that even the noisy ones in the family will have to shut up and watch the film. Try eating chips during it!

Read More: Best True Story Movies of 2018

3. Black Panther (2018)

Who doesn’t love a superhero movie? ‘Black Panther’ is one of the best films of the year and has marked a new era in Marvel’s superhero universe. It tells the story of Prince T’Challa of Wakanda who has to take the mantle of the king after his father dies in a bomb blast, an event that took place in ‘Captain America: Civil War’. With the responsibility of the whole kingdom on his shoulders, T’Challa is assisted by his genius sister Shuri and the head of the royal guard, Okoye. But, a secret from his father’s past comes to light which changes the way T’Challa had seen his father all this time and forces him to re-evaluate the meaning of being a king.

Read More: Best Horror Movies of 2018

2. Incredibles 2 (2018)

Commonly, in a family, the man has to go out and work, while the responsibility of taking care of the kids falls on the woman. Ever since the Superhero Relocation Program was put into place, Bob had been working jobs and had no idea how Helen had been raising their kids. But the tables have turned now. In order to restore the image of the superheroes in front of the public, Helen is called for help, considering that, as Elastigirl, she causes lesser damage. Now, Bob has to be the one to stay at home and take care of his kids, especially the youngest, Jack-Jack, whose powers are still unknown to them.

Read More: Best Netflix Shows of 2018

1. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

A sequel to 1964’s ‘Mary Poppins’ which was based on the book of the same name by P.L Travers, ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ catches up with the Banks kids, who are grown up now and have a family. The story is set in the 1930s, and Michael is living with his three children, helped by his sister Jane and their housekeeper, Ellen. But tragedy strikes the Banks household again and, even though Michael and Jane don’t realise it, they need someone to take care of them. And so, Mary Poppins returns to do her job. Emily Blunt is ecstatic as Mary Poppins and the film is an extravaganza of all good, Disney things. The supporting cast includes actors like Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Julie Walters and Ben Whishaw, and is the most perfect thing you can watch as a family.

Read More: Best HBO Shows of 2018

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The broad genre of family movies is vast and can encompass many smaller genres. The most consistent description is that a family movie is primarily targeted at children but is conscious of the parents and older siblings who may be watching and thus doesn't talk down to its audience. They can come in many shapes and forms, from animation and live-action; the average Disney movie is often a family movie, as are live-action efforts like Home Alone or even the first two Harry Potter movies.

Due to this flexibility, family movies can be enjoyed by any age demographic in any period, and some might get a stronger reception with age. Indeed, some family movies are so beloved because of their stories, characters, scores, or screenplays that they can be considered perfect, even if there's something holding them back. With so many movies to choose from, it isn't easy to narrow it down to just ten choices worth highlighting above all others. However, these family movies stand out because of their near-flawless nature , making their genre proud.

10 'Despicable Me'

Directed by chris renaud and pierre coffin.

Felonious Gru ( Steve Carell ) is an evil genius hoping to make his mark upon the world, especially after a younger villain named Vector ( Jason Segel ) stole the Great Pyramid of Giza. He comes up with an ambitious plot to steal the moon, but Vector interrupts his attempt to steal a shrink ray. This sabotage leads Gru to adopt three orphaned sisters as part of a scheme to steal the shrink ray, but over time, he comes to love them.

Despicable Me is a charming subversion of spy movies by focusing on the villain's perspective that began Illumination's rise among animation studios. One thing that helps the film is its charm: Gru goes through a strong arc, shifting from villain to hero, and the scenes between him and the girls are sweet and heartfelt. The film also introduced the world to the Minions , who have become a staple of popular culture thanks to their silly antics and iconic nonsense language, for both better and worse.

Despicable Me (2010)

Not available

9 'Luca'

Directed by enrico casarosa.

Off the shore of the Italian town of Portorosso live Luca ( Jacob Tremblay ) and Alberto ( Jack Dylan Grazer ), two young sea monsters who dream of one day traveling the world with a Vespa. When Luca's parents learn of the children's ambitions, they plan to send him to live with his uncle in the deep to keep him away from humans, so Luca and Alberto run and hide in Portorosso. They befriend a human girl named Giulia ( Emma Berman ), and the three decide to enter the town's annual triathlon to use the money to fulfill their dreams.

Luca lacks the same emotional punch as many of Pixar's best films , but for what it is, it is a beautiful story about friendship and tolerance. It captures the simple innocence of childhood dreams, finding fun in the simple things, and struggling to maintain friendships when everyone has different interests. The use of the sea monsters also leads to many different forms of interpretation, such as revealing one's true self to those one cares about and the struggle of groups like immigrants and queer people to fit into a society that doesn't always tolerate them.

8 'Enchanted'

Directed by kevin lima.

Giselle ( Amy Adams ) is a fairy tale heroine who can't wait to marry her true love, Prince Edward ( James Marsden ). Unfortunately, on their wedding day, Edward's stepmother, Queen Narissa ( Susan Sarandon ), pushes Giselle down a wishing well, which transports her to New York City. There, she meets Robert Philips ( Patrick Dempsey ), a divorced lawyer, who allows Giselle to stay with him and his daughter, Morgan ( Rachel Covey ), while Edward and Narissa's servant, Nathaniel ( Timothy Spall ), travel to New York to rescue and kill her respectively.

Enchanted is a fun movie that sees Disney poking fun at its clichés and iconic storylines while still respecting the tales that made it the juggernaut it is. The best parts are when the fairy tale characters try to adjust to life in the real world, where events like randomly breaking out into song are seen as weird. Each character is fun and does a good job of representing their archetype, but Giselle is the standout thanks in large part to Adams' Golden Globe-nominated performance and beautiful singing voice. Enchanted 's final act succumbs to tropes and shoddy VFX , but everything that comes before is a whimsical treat.

7 'Babe'

Directed by chris noonan.

A piglet named Babe ( Christine Cavanaugh ) is won at a fair by Arthur Hoggett ( James Cromwell ) and brought to live on his farm. He befriends the sheepdog Fly ( Miriam Margolyes ) and a duck named Ferdinand ( Danny Mann ), who thinks he's a rooster. Over time, Babe demonstrates skill at sorting, which prompts Arthur to train him to herd sheep.

Babe is a beautiful film on both a technical and storytelling level. While the CGI used to make the animals talk is a bit dated , the film makes great use of practical effects and animatronics, to the point that sometimes it's hard to tell what is a real animal and what is fake. The story is sweet and uses the animal characters to deliver a rather impactful message about inspiring kindness in others, the dangers of prejudice, and how the most unlikely of people can do extraordinary things.

6 'The Goonies'

Directed by richard donner.

As their homes face foreclosure, Mikey ( Sean Astin ) and his friends meet up for a final weekend and discover a treasure map that leads to the treasure of legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy . Hoping to use the treasure to save their homes, the kids follow it into an underground cave network filled with traps. They also run into the dangerous Fratelli crime family, who want to steal the treasure for themselves and won't hesitate to kill some kids if they have to.

The Goonies makes the most of its simple plot by putting most of its time and effort into the characters. Each of the kids feels real and has strong, defining character traits, such as Mikey's optimism and Data's ( Ke Huy Quan ) love for quirky inventions. Then there's Chunk ( Jeff Cohen ), who adds a lot of emotion to the film by bonding with Sloth ( John Matuszak ), the abused member of the Fratelli family. The Goonies ' unique and distinctive style might be too much for some , but for the vast majority, it's a bonafide childhood classic that keeps getting better with age,

The Goonies

5 'time bandits', directed by terry gilliam.

One night, a young history buff named Kevin ( Craig Warnock ) is shocked to learn that his bedroom contains a portal in time and space. From it comes the Time Bandits, six dwarves who used to work for the Supreme Being ( Tony Jay and Sir Ralph Richardson ) before deciding to steal a map of the universe and rob history blind. As Kevin tags along, the group is monitored by a personification of Evil ( David Warner ), who wants to take the map for himself.

Time Bandits combines a creative premise with the legendary British wit and humor of Monty Python's Flying Circus to create a unique experience. Mixed among its creative time-travel escapades is commentary about consumerism, faith, the dichotomy of good vs evil, and a childlike sense of wonder. It also manages to be a very progressive film since the bandits are all played by actors with dwarfism . Time Bandits is not perfect, but that's very much the point , and who are we to argue?

Time Bandits

4 'home alone', directed by chris columbus.

As the McCallister family prepares to spend Christmas with their relatives in Paris, the youngest, Kevin ( Macaulay Culkin ), is picked on by his older siblings and cousins, causing him to wish his family would disappear. That night, a storm knocks out the family's house, causing them to oversleep and accidentally leave Kevin behind in their haste. At first, Kevin enjoys being home alone but soon discovers that two criminals called the Wet Bandits are planning to rob it.

Home Alone is rightfully beloved for Cuklin's amazing performance and the hilarious slapstick during its third act. However, there is so much to love beyond these elements, such as the film's sincere message about family and reconciliation. Kevin's mother, Kate ( Catherine O'Hara ), is also a complex yet wonderful character, especially in the scenes where she is willing to do everything from selling her possessions to traveling with polka musicians if it means getting back to her son.

3 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'

Harry Potter ( Daniel Radcliffe ) is a young boy living with his cruel and uncaring relatives. One day, he learns that he comes from a long family of wizards and is enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He befriends fellow first-years Ron Weasley ( Rupert Grint ) and Hermione Granger ( Emma Watson ), learns how to perform magic, and uncovers a plot to steal a powerful magical artifact hidden in the school.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone i ntroduced audiences to the wizarding world, and though not as dark and mature as later films in the franchise, it remains beloved for its fantastical world. Thanks to impressively designed sets and the blending of budding CGI with old-school film tricks, the movie evokes a magical atmosphere that makes Hogwarts feel like a living, breathing location. Philosopher's Stone 's dumbed-down tone compared to the book and excessive exposition can sometimes be too clumsy , but any issue in the plot is offset by the talented older actors, including Richard Harris , Maggie Smith , and Alan Rickman ​​​​.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

2 'willy wonka & the chocolate factory', directed by mel stuart.

The world is thrown into upheaval when mysterious candy maker Willy Wonka ( Gene Wilder ) reveals that he has hidden five golden tickets inside his Wonka bars and scattered them around the world. Whoever finds them will be given a tour of his fantastical factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate. One of the winners is Charlie Bucket ( Peter Ostrum ), a poor boy who longs for a better life.

This adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was infamously despised by the book's author , Roald Dahl . Still, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory has become a timeless classic thanks to its catchy songs, fantastic acting, and sense of childlike wonder. Charlie is also a wonderful protagonist; while not a bad kid, he has moments of selfishness and frustration, which makes his situation more empathetic to viewers. Then there is Wonka himself, who is nothing short of iconic thanks to Wilder's fantastic performance, especially with how quickly he can shift from indifference to extreme emotional outbursts.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

1 'kung fu panda', directed by john stevenson and mark osborne.

When Master Oogway ( Randall Duk Kim ) of the Valley of Peace has a vision that foretells the return of fallen martial artist Tai Lung ( Ian McShane ), he decides it is time to train someone to become the fabled Dragon Warrior to stop him. To everyone's surprise, he picks Po ( Jack Black ), an obese panda and kung fu enthusiast. Oogway's friend, Master Shi-Fu ( Dustin Hoffman ), tries to get Po to quit so one of his students can be trained instead, but Po proves to have a never-quit attitude and inspires Shi-Fu to see things differently.

Kung Fu Panda 's premise might seem ridiculous, but its mixture of emotions and comedy made it one of DreamWorks' best movies and spawned an entire franchise. Kung Fu Panda is a story about self-discovery : Po hopes that learning kung fu will make him into someone better than who he currently is; instead, learning kung fu helps Po to realize that the potential for greatness was always inside of him. It reminds audiences of all ages that they are each a unique individual with something great to offer the world; they just need to believe in themselves. Sadly, the supporting characters have very little to do , meaning that the likes of Hoffman, Angelina Jolie , and Jackie Chan get almost no dialogue.

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NEXT: 10 Animated Movies That Are Perfect From Start to Finish

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In ‘Good One,’ a family camping trip is full of emotional switchbacks

Justin Chang

Lily Collias brings a nearly wordless intensity as Sam in Good One. Smudge Films hide caption

Too often, the month of August is regarded as a fallow period for moviegoing, after the big blockbusters of the summer but before the awards contenders of the fall. But the aptly titled new movie Good One is a reminder that there are always smart, interesting films being released, if you’re willing to look beyond the obvious. As it turns out, looking beyond the obvious is something that the writer-director India Donaldson has a real knack for. In just 90 minutes, she tells a three-character story that appears simple enough on the surface, yet it’s so sharp and engrossing that you might not immediately notice the deeper story taking shape underneath.

Lily Collias plays 17-year-old Sam, who’s going backpacking in the Catskills with her father, Chris — that’s the terrific James Le Gros in a too-rare leading role. They’re supposed to be joined by Chris’ oldest friend, Matt, and his teenage son, Dylan. But Matt winds up being the only one to come along; he and Dylan’s mom are recently divorced, and Dylan isn’t taking it well.

Chris himself has been divorced for a while, and he and Sam have a pretty harmonious relationship by comparison. They seem to get along even when they’re bickering, as happens when Chris criticizes Sam’s driving.

Much of the movie consists of Sam listening quietly as Chris and Matt go on and on, reminiscing about old times yet always finding new things to grouse about. Chris, a savvy outdoorsman, can’t stop complaining about how badly Matt has overpacked for a three-day hiking trip.

These are the 19 movies we're most excited about this summer

While the two men rarely ask Sam how she’s doing or feeling, they seem cool enough where it counts. Chris has long been supportive of his daughter’s queer identity; she has a girlfriend whom she texts during the trip, whenever she can get a cellphone signal. Matt tells Sam that she’s wise beyond her years: Unlike all the other reckless, rebellious teenagers out there, she’s a rare “good one” in his book.

Scene by scene, however, writer-director Donaldson paints a subtler picture of the dynamics at work. At times Good One reminded me of Kelly Reichardt ’s quietly perceptive 2006 drama, Old Joy , which also squeezed a lot of emotional history into a fateful camping trip.

You get the sense that Sam has traveled a bunch with her dad and Matt before, and that she’s long adjusted to her designated role. When the three of them share a motel room on their way up to the Catskills, it’s Sam who instinctively rolls out her sleeping bag, without even being asked, leaving the two beds to the men. And once they reach their campsite, it’s Sam who cooks dinner for the three of them without complaint. The dynamics are complicated. Beneath the men’s easygoing manner, there’s an unmistakable air of condescension toward Sam, a sense that their appreciation of her is more conditional than genuine.

If Sam resents them for any of this, she doesn’t show it, at least not at first. Collias gives a beautifully understated performance; with very little effort, she can register everything from wry affection to barely concealed exasperation. And Donaldson, working with the cinematographer Wilson Cameron, proves as keenly observant as her protagonist. She’s alive to the beauty of the mountains, whether it’s the sight of a majestic canyon or the sound of rushing water. Some of the movie’s slow-simmering tension arises from your uncertainty about what might be lurking nearby, whether it’s a bear in search of food or three young men they cross paths with on the hiking trail.

But Good One isn’t one of those movies in which a journey into the wilderness spirals into horror. The dangers that Donaldson introduces are of a more intimate and perhaps more insidious nature. There comes a moment in the story when everything changes, and it’s at once surprising and unsurprising, all too believable and, in the moment, perhaps a little contrived.

But that hardly matters. What matters is how Sam responds to this sudden shift, and Collias shows her unpacking that response almost in real time, and with a nearly wordless intensity. Good One has the concision of a sharply etched short story, but what happens by the end can’t be easily summed up. Sam won’t soon forget the lessons of this particular trip, and neither will we.

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Fact-Checking Claims About Tim Walz’s Record

Republicans have leveled inaccurate or misleading attacks on Mr. Walz’s response to protests in the summer of 2020, his positions on immigration and his role in the redesign of Minnesota’s flag.

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By Linda Qiu

Since Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota was announced as the Democratic nominee for vice president, the Trump campaign and its allies have gone on the attack.

Mr. Walz, a former teacher and football coach from Nebraska who served in the National Guard, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006 and then as Minnesota’s governor in 2018. His branding of former President Donald J. Trump as “weird” this year caught on among Democrats and helped catapult him into the national spotlight and to the top of Vice President Kamala Harris’s list of potential running mates.

The Republican accusations, which include questions over his military service , seem intended at undercutting a re-energized campaign after President Biden stepped aside and Ms. Harris emerged as his replacement at the top of the ticket. Mr. Trump and his allies have criticized, sometimes inaccurately, Mr. Walz’s handling of protests in his state, his immigration policies, his comments about a ladder factory and the redesign of his state’s flag.

Here’s a fact check of some claims.

What Was Said

“Because if we remember the rioting in the summer of 2020, Tim Walz was the guy who let rioters burn down Minneapolis.” — Senator JD Vance of Ohio, the Republican nominee for vice president, during a rally on Wednesday in Philadelphia

This is exaggerated. Mr. Walz has faced criticism for not quickly activating the National Guard to quell civil unrest in Minneapolis in the summer of 2020 after the murder of George Floyd by a police officer. But claims that he did not respond at all, or that the city burned down, are hyperbolic.

Mr. Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020, and demonstrators took to the streets the next day . The protests intensified, with some vandalizing vehicles and setting fires. More than 700 state troopers and officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ mobile response team were deployed on May 26 to help the city’s police officers, according to a 2022 independent assessment by the state’s Department of Public Safety of the response to the unrest.

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