This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 127! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, friends!
So, I recently decided to jump back into the world of movies that kinda slipped through my fingers when they first came out. And boy, did I strike gold with “The Family,” directed by Luc Besson. This flick is an absolute blast, and I’m here to share why it snagged a spot in my list of fun movie experiences.
First off, let’s talk plot. Imagine a mob family under witness protection moving to a quaint town in France, thinking they can blend in. Spoiler alert: they don’t. The Manzoni family, now the Blakes, are like a cat among the pigeons, stirring up all sorts of chaos.
Robert De Niro plays Giovanni Manzoni/Fred Blake, a former mafia boss who enters witness protection with his equally nutty family and folks, he’s as legendary as ever. Michelle Pfeiffer, who stars as his wife, Maggie, brings this fiery charm that just lights up the screen. She’s fierce, funny, and totally unapologetic, and their on-screen chemistry is . Their kids, Belle and Warren, played by Dianna Agron and John D’Leo, respectively, are just the right mix of trouble and charm, each bringing their own brand of chaos to the mix. The dynamic within this family? It’s like watching fireworks – unpredictable but oh-so mesmerizing.
I’ve got to say, the way they try to fit in and utterly fail had me in stitches. Giovanni reliving his mob days by beating up a plumber over inflated prices or Maggie blowing up a grocery store because of rude comments? It’s like watching someone try to use a flamethrower to light a candle – totally unnecessary but you can’t look away. And the kids? They’re no angels either, navigating high school with a blend of cunning and outright mob tactics.
Now, I wouldn’t be doing this mini-review justice if I didn’t mention the action sequences. Besson, known for his stylish action films, delivers here too. The scenes are thrilling and well-choreographed, with a healthy dose of dark humor thrown in for good measure.
Now, let me tell you, this film is not just a comedy. It’s got its moments of tension, especially as the past starts catching up to them. It’s this blend that makes “The Family” so much fun. It’s like Luc Besson took the classic mob genre, threw it into a blender with a pinch of comedy and a dash of action, and served us something utterly unique. And the humor, oh, the humor was just my cup of tea – dark but hilarious.
And, oh, the performances! De Niro brings this blend of menace and humor that’s just a delight to watch. Michelle Pfeiffer, with her nostalgic “Married to the Mob” vibes, just nails it. And the chemistry among the cast? It feels so genuine, like they’re having the time of their lives, and guess what, it’s infectious.
“The Family,” is a reminder to me that sometimes, the most unconventional stories are the most entertaining. It’s not just about the laughs or the action; it’s about a family sticking together through thick and thin, albeit in their unique, sometimes explosive, way.
Peace out, ✌️
Roger