Movies-TV

Excellent holiday film.

I stumbled across this used DVD for ten dollars at my local Hollybuster rental shack. Never intended to watch or own. Hollywood must really be ashamed of "Pro Family" films. I must say that it went unwatched for six months. When my wife and my family finally watched it I was amazed that Hollywood would actually make a "Pro Family" film!? Wonderfully acted and well put together. The excellent art direction and casting make this film work. Brett Ratner has blended some wonderful camera angles and editing to keep the film heartwarming but not sappy. I am amazed at Nicholas Cage's character Jack Campbell and how he evolves into a Family Man. As a father of five I can relate to many of the situations he finds himself in. Tea Leoni is the textbook wife and mother! Well acted, I give it nine stars. I suggest you put this one in your permanent collection. The added DVD features are a real bonus! Deleted sceens, commentarys, On location feature and music video and more.

A wonderfully positive, uplifting film......

Dear IMDB readers,Please.....Go see this movie! I have never left a movie and felt as wonderful as I did last night when I was walking out of the theatre. Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni were incredible together. The ending fit the movie surprisingly well. I was a little worried that it would mess it up, but it didn't. No, not for a moment. It projected a beautiful outlook on love and marriage and family. Not a picture-perfect one...but one that I believe can be achieved. So please, see this film for your own deserved enjoyment. I recommend it for everyone.

A Must See: Though a little sketchy...

I really enjoyed the beginning and middle of this movie. Nicholas Cage may not have been my 1st choice for the role, but he certainly played it to the best of his ability and I respect that. Now Tea was great. She did wonderful in her role, but I found that the end of the movie was... well, lacking something. They played out this wonderful story, and even though the ending had some strong points which added to the overall picture, it just didn't capture the hearts' of it's viewers. I believed that he loved her, yes, but did she still love him? She wasn't the same woman he believed her to be? (Via his "glimpse!") It had been 13 years since he talked to her, and well, there are some unanswered questions... like what had happened to her all of those years? How did she become what she is today? Those are definately some unanswered questions, but yes, I did enjoy the movie and I loved the comedy aspect of it all. I just hoped for greater endings, and with that, and that only, I was left unsatisfied.

Okay, but lacked anything memorable.

There is nothing bad about this movie. Unfortunately nothing bad does not mean that the movie is really good. There is nothing memorable about this movie. It's a feel good romance. A good choice to watch once with your wife when there's nothing good on TV. If you watch it a second time you'll notice all the plot holes and loose ends. It loses its luster.

What would have really helped this movie along is a little more depth - perhaps additional character development of the little girl Annie who provides the warm humor, but too little of it - or maybe an extra 20 minutes tacked onto the end to resolve (at least partially) some of the dangling plot lines.

What's important to you?

A beautiful movie. Wonderful performances from Nicolas Cage and Téa Leoni.A movie that makes you think about what is really important in life.

I fell asleep

C'mon - could this movie be any more predictable? Even my girlfriend fell asleep. Complete waste of time.

A truckload of treacle

Hunker down, kiddies, it's time for a two-hour schmaltz-a-thon. This movie not only tugs at your heartstrings, it rips the strings out and whips you with them. Subtlety ain't this film's strong suit.Nicolas Cage plays a slick Wall Street powerbroker (the only kind in Hollywood, and probably real life as well) who has it all: money, money, money, and power. Jack Campbell's lacking a family, but he doesn't see that as a bad thing. He's also driven, obsessed with improving the company he works for - he even schedules a "crisis meeting" on Christmas Day. This guy's got balls, all right. He's making loot hand over fist, and he's probably on his way to an ulcer or a heart attack before he hits fifty.On Christmas Eve, he gets a phone message from an ex-girlfriend (Tea Leoni). Years earlier, the two of them had made a decision crucial to their lives - he went to England to intern with a prestigious bank, and she went to one of the finest law schools in the country. This facilitated their breakup, but since Jack's made out rather well in the interim, he pays the call little mind. Then that night, he stops by a convenience store to pick up some egg nog. An irate lottery player (the always reliable and watchable Don Cheadle) pulls a gun on the clerk behind the counter. Jack offers to buy the man's lottery ticket in an effort to calm the situation, and even attempts to rehabilitate the hoodlum. "Cmon," Jack tells him, "everyone needs something." "What do you need?" Cash asks him. Jack considers the point, then replies there's nothing he needs. "Ok," says Cash, "but just remember, you got yourself into this." Hmm.The next morning, Jack wakes up in bed with the lovely, the delicious, the married-in-real-life-to-David Duchovny Tea Leoni. And he has two kids. And a dog. And whoa! This isn't Jack's life, is it? He doesn't like kids! And here they come, bouncing on the bed he shares with Kate. It's Christmas Day, after all. But Jack's in shock. He panics, grabs the keys to their minivan (Hey! Where's his Porsche?) and dashes off to the city. What's going on?Seems Cash is some kinda sorta angel or something (it's never really explained), and he's offering Jack a "glimpse" of what his life would havebeen like if he had stuck with Kate back in the day. Now, those of us who are of a certain age do wonder from time to time what life would have been like if different decisions had been made. Jack's problem is that his wonderment is now his reality. And it's most certainly not the reality he's looking for! The Single Jack is a hedonist who recognizes only responsibilities to his job. The Married Jack pays more attention to his familial responsibilities.So we have a general fish-out-of-water scenario. Jack knows he's Single Jack, and naturally he has neither knowledge nor memory of life as Married Jack. He doesn't know his friends, his in-laws, his co-workers (he works as a tire salesman!), nothing. He doesn't even know where he lives! Ah yes, mad hijinks ensue. It's like in that Jim Carrey movie The Truman Show - the audience is in on the joke, but the lead character has no idea. See Jack stumble over gettin' jiggy with his wife! See him mumble greetings to friends he doesn't know! See him stand with his mouth agape most of the time, trying in vain to absorb everything.And, of course, see Jack wrap things up neatly. Too bad it's a two-hour sojourn into schmaltz, though. The problem with the movie isn't that it's sentimental, it's that it's a preachy film, desperate to teach us that Marriage Is Good. And think about it - how many guys do you know are married to someone who looks like Tea Leoni (and is a nice person, too), who goes to work at a tire place with a song in their hearts, who has a loving family with two perfect kids? This life doesn't exist, and damn this movie for making the married versus single issue seem so black and white. Single >bad, marriage = good.The best sentimental films teach lessons with such subtlety that you don't realize you've learned anything until well after the closing credits have rolled. The worst of these films takes a lesson that most people know anyway and proceeds to whack the living crap out of you with it. Ok, ok! I get it! Married life = good things. Got it, ok. And thankfully, Jack got it, too, or we'd still be watching this drivel.

Gilded Cage

Another movie made by wealthy people (all Hollywood movies are made by either wealthy people or people who aspire to be), the moral of which is that money isn't important. Reportedly, the director wooed Nicolas Cage into this project by specifying that Cage's character drives a Ferrari, knowing that Nic would be attracted by the chance to keep the car after the movie.Ratner: Come on, you'll be great in this flick! Cage: What's it about? Ratner: It's about the choices we make in life--well, not us, but ordinary people. Cage: Like what kind of choices? Ratner: About money and stuff, how it's not important. Cage: Nah, I could use some time off. I've already worked six months in the past year. Ratner: I'll get you a Ferrari. Cage: When do we start shooting?

Almost perfect romantic comedy

It's not very often these days that I see Hollywood romantic comedy that is not cheesy and that leaves really warm feelings after. This movie is funny, warm, smart and has a great acting. That Nicolas Cage is good comes as no suprise, but Tea Leoni was also very very good. While some may find the premise of the movie (happy family life vs goal oriented career pursuit) a little bit over simplistic it somehow doesn't spoil anything. Highly recommended!!

Do The Right Thing Even If You Think It Is Too Late

Here is a movie, which is similiar to other movies, where you are given a chance to live another life and compare it to the former. We witnessed this from the movie IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE when Jimmy Stewart's character wished that he was never born. Be careful what you wish for because you might get it. Even with the movie CHRISTMAS CAROL, Scrooge saw his future if he didn't change his ways. Now, we have this movie, FAMILY MAN, starring Nic Cage as a successful business man given a glimpse of what his life would be like if he married his true love played by Tea Leoni. They have the perfect marriage, but he feels that there should have been more. So, what happens with Nic Cage and his new life, you have to see the movie to find out.

Moralistic Trash, not fit for free-thinking consumption.

Hmm, where to begin. I was on a plane. I knew that I didn't want to sleep for another couple hours. And, I wasn't up for reading. That pretty much sums up why I watched this movie, because no other set of circumstances would have induced me to do so.This film can pretty much be summed up by the moralism: "Family life is the greatest life you can have." Everything in the movie leads up to this point, and it is painfully obvious from the get go (hey, look at the title). The concept is interesting, because who hasn't wondered "What if I went back and did things differently?". The premise here has Nicolas Cage's character transported into the life today that he would be leading if he hadn't dumped his girlfriend to go to London on his stepladder to being the head of some major corporation. This involves a couple kids and a house in the burbs. The whole condition of this change, however, is that he is stuck in it until he realizes that this is the life he absolutely wants, deep down inside. Then, in the end, it all gets taken away and he has to figure out what to do. The wrap-around, which sends him in the end to the old girlfriend's apartment, is utterly pathetic and absolutely unrealistic.Don't get me wrong, I have nothing wrong with love and intimate relationships, and even people seeing their lives somehow fulfilled by having children. For me, I just get sick of the idea that this is the ONLY way to live a fulfilling life, which is really the message of the film. I also do not honestly believe that this IS a fulfilling life to live, because people are not defined by who they reproduce, but by what they do themselves. This film really raises to the level of highest merit the idea that you completely bend your life to such a set-up. Not that this guy's life was worth a spit to begin with, his type should be fed to starving animals. But, moralistic pictures like this are best avoided, for fear that they might pique one's frustrations at the problems of this society enough to force you into more drastic measures.I suffered through this film so that you don't have to. I would never subject myself to this film again, and my already low respect for Cage just dropped lower ("Face/Off" was a plus). Next time I'm on a long flight, I'll have to keep this film in mind when I make my decision about whether to watch or not. There are some films which just should NOT be seen.

Nice film, weak characterization

Upon seeing trailers for "The Family Man", I immediatley expected a wanna be "It's a Wonderful Life." I also noticed Nicolas Cage was in the film which also lowered my expectations. Well, I saw the film and didn't get the, "It's a Wonderful Life" wanna-be that I expected! The story works well and pieces together nicely. But, the characters in this film are not strong enough. I found myself having to really imagine what kind of person Jack (the character played by Nicolas Cage) actually was. In conclusion, is "The Family Man" a good holiday film? Yes. Is it a Christmas classic as stated in the trailer? No.

Rent it, Buy it, See it

Choices, choices, choices. What if I have made that decision at a particular time in my life? What door would have opened, what door would have closed? Where would my life be today?

All questions that this movie addresses, in one of the best romantic/comedy/dramas in a long-time.

Rent it, buy it and enjoy the questions, and answers?

Surprisingly good movie

Having seen the previews to this movie, I expected it to be just more Hollywood fluff. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this movie and by the sensitive acting by Nicholas Cage. Cage is the quintissential career guy, caught up in the trappings of success, but sadly lacking human contacts. Because he has no plans for Christmas Eve, he holds staff meetings on the holiday and doesn't seem to mind disrupting other people's lives. Through a bit of fantasy, he is allowed to see how his life would have been if he had married his girlfriend 13 years previously instead of leaving her for a career move. This is a heartwarming and thought provoking movie.

fantastic fantasy

This was a good part for Nicolas Cage to play as a successful businessman who gets a peek at what his life might have been like had he married his college sweetheart. The movie might remind you of It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Destiny, and you will like it. Cage and Tea Leoni were both very good in it, and it might appeal to you, especially during the holiday season.*** out of ****

Emotional tug, stupid movie

Hey, I love the idea of this movie, even though it has been explored many times before. What would happen if you had changed one thing in your life?

Hollywood has long been the king of formula pictures. This is no exception. The problem is this subject has been done so much better on previous occasions.

Nicholas Cage plays a mega-rich Wall Street shark. He intervenes in a "robbery" and is catapulted into a different image of his life had he not decided to stay in England when he was younger. From this point on, the movie rides back and forth in a nonsensical journey that ends with a totally unbelievable climax.

Wanting to get caught up, I tried to suspend belief. However, the changes in the main character are so contrived it makes it hard to see this as a realistic story. ONe moment he's his jerk self, then a good person, then a jerk, etc., ad nauseum. Just before the end of the movie, he finally changes for real.

The dialog is horrible in spots. NO real person would ever say things in this manner. The situations are largely contrived, and the requisite Hollywood setup to make them unbelievable is, astonishingly, missing.

The ending is a heart tugger, but is absolutely unrealistic. Back in the "real world" he pulls off a coop that has to be seen to be believed.

Nicolas Cage is more wooden in this film than normal. Don Cheadle is absolutely wonderful, but unbelievable. And, Teo Leoni is the shining moment, but only in the "glimpse" (you'll understand if you see it).

One more thing. Some of the cinematographic devices in this film are absolutely annoying. When you can pick up on color being used to change emotions, it is intruding into the film.

Okay, I lied, one more: The transfer to DVD is horrbile in spots. You can watch the pixel patterns dance during some of the darker scene. Yuck!

Suprisingly Good

Any person married with kids should find this movie funny.

I like the Rolling Stones....

Another surprising movie that I found easier to watch than expected. It seems every year around Christmastime a writer will borrow the same storyline for It's A Wonderful Life, and make a movie that is a horrific copy. While borrowing the premise, the film definately breathes a life of its own. The end result is a warm Christmas movie, more for adults than for the kids.

Nick Cage sheds the Ferraris early and is thrust into middle-class hell, surounded by a wife, kids, and a dog. How would you feel if you models used to fawn over you and you'd put together billion-dollar business mergers, suddenly to find that your one hobby was bowling (not to knock the bowlers out there).

Tea Leoni actually proves that she can act. This is a far cry from her short-lived TV series. She and Cage together do make quite a pair.

My only complaint about this film is the driving force behind the theory that every person will be happier and have a more fulfilling life if they are married with a family. What is wrong with being older, successful, and happy with still being a bachelor? Do you have to have a band of gold (or platinum, if that's your choice!) around your finger to achieve a good night's sleep?

Oh yeah, one of the brightest spots in the film was Don Cheadle (one of my favorite actors). He easily steals the scenes in any movie he's in and this is no exception. His wit and performance would easily get him his wings.....

*And if you don't get my title just watch the movie*

NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

For years It's A Wonderful Life set the standard not only for Christmas movies but for movies that ask the lingering question: What would life be like had taken this turn...? Capra was the master of the genre and James Stewart was his classic time traveler.

Family Man seems to take up things where Capra left off and Nicholas Cage steps capably into Stewart's shoes.

Don't think that this movie is just for the holidays. Isn't it interesting that all of the very best holiday stories teach lessons that are as applicable on the Fourth of July as they are on Christmas Eve? It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, Home Alone and While You Were Sleeping all have overt holiday themes but invite the viewer to live throughout the year as though life mattered and went beyond holidays.

The Family Man is just such a movie. Christmas just happens to be a minor prop in a story about integrity, priorities and love. Buy it today and watch it on Labor Day and then again on your mother-in-law's birthday and again on Halloween and...regardless of the day you'll love it!

So close, yet...

This movie could have been named 'It Could've Been a Wonderful Life.' It starts out promising enough. Nicholas Cage seems energized at the start. Don Cheadle is superb. And Téa Leoni is a treat; as someone else has commented, she holds the picture together (as much as she can).Somewhere after the first half-hour, the movie unravels. By the end, it just sort of limps along as so many loose threads. I didn't mind the 'what would life have been like if...' premise. And there are moments in the script that had me thinking of choices in my own life; times I wanted to take my kids up and hug them close.I think the ultimate problem with the film, the thing that holds it back from being great, is the casting of Cage in the title role. I think he has more roles in him than the action hero, but this one isn't one of them. He is a little too edgy for this one.