‘THE FAMILY MAN’: A DELIGHTFUL CLASSIC
I saw this Nicholas Cage comedy for the first time many (let’s not mention the exact number) years ago. Unusual as it may be for Cage to play this sort of role, The Family Man is actually an entertaining way to spend the evening, even if he may not be the stereotype “normal” guy to play this type of role.
The Family Man (2000) Film Review
Life has professionally been very good for Jack Campbell (Cage). He moved to London for a prestigious opportunity, but now, years later, memories of times long past return. One of these is the memory of Kate (Tea Leoni), the college sweetheart Jack once deeply loved. She’s also the girl Jack leaves behind in his plan for this career opportunity.
Jack’s present changes drastically when he gets to live his life if he’d chosen an alternate path, and the question of what if soon becomes a reality that he begins to understand.
‘THE FAMILY MAN’: A DELIGHTFUL CLASSIC. Adding this 2000 charmer to the review archives. Share on XOne flaw that this film does carry is the burden of being a story which has been told one too many times. Having said this, The Family Man is one of the best “versions” I have seen of this story. Anyone who has seen Dickens A Christmas Carol, which has over a dozen variations, will see similarities in this contemporary drama. The first time I saw this, I remember how well I liked it and a second viewing has only improved my opinion of it. The film takes a closer look at what brings joy and what truly matters, which are themes we can probably all relate at certain times in our lives.
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Even if Cage doesn’t fit your description this type of role requires this, now joining National Treasure and It Could Happen to You, is easily one of my favorites of his. He and Leoni have nice chemistry, which leads to heartwarming moments between them, but also the film a bigger picture. We also see child star Mackenzie Vega in a role, too. With its surprisingly good script and those cozy moments that melt our hearts, this one is ideal to watch on a winter night in.
If you like stories that take characters out of their comfort zone, give The Family Man a try. Most everything is well done and I especially like how well the characters interact. Not only does Jack learn valuable lessons, but we are treated to a healthy dose of laughter, and you know what they say … laughter is the best medicine.
Stream, at publication, The Family Man with Peacock; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
Photos: Alamy
Content: This is a PG-13 film that shows a man in bed with a girl (they share some innuendo laced banter as she leaves). There are implications of extra marital affairs; later a couple “fool around” in bed (nothing explicit), and then a scene shows someone watching a woman in the shower (we see her body through the glass and then shoulders up when the door is opened). There is some other minor crude innuendos and a use or two of the F-word along with the other standard of profanity.
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Note; a version of this review did appear somewhere else first. I have reformatted and rewritten it to add to these archives.
