Today’s quick review: The Family. Former gangster Giovanni Manzoni (Robert De Niro) jumped to the top of the mob’s hit list when he testified against Don Luchese (Stan Carp) to the FBI. Now Giovanni and his family (Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron, and John D’Leo) are living in Witness Protection in a small village in Normandy. But in spite of the Manzonis’ best efforts to keep a low profile, their criminal habits prove hard to break.
The Family is a dramatic crime comedy from director Luc Besson. The Family follows Giovanni and his family as they try to adjust to life in the French countryside. The Manzonis are criminals to their core, and even their basic interactions with the locals often turn violent. This simple setup gives The Family a steady source of dark comedy. Meanwhile, the looming threat of Don Luchese’s hitmen gives the story the touch of drama it needs.
The Family makes good on its setup. Giovanni, his wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer), and their daughter Belle (Dianna Agron) and son Warren (John D’Leo) have distinct personalities that play off each other well. The Manzonis are blunt and efficient, quickly leaving their mark on the town. The jokes are somewhat predictable, but they are executed well, and the characters strike the right balance between unscrupulous criminals and a likable family.
The Family also manages some good tension once it gets going. The one part of its premise the movie takes seriously is the threat posed by Don Luchese and his gang. As soon as Luchese gets a bead on Giovanni and his family, the tone immediately becomes serious, leading to a well-handled finale. Again, The Family does not really innovate with its story, sticking with fairly simple conflicts, but decent characters and good direction see it through.
The Family is a fine pick for anyone in the mood for a modest but enjoyable crime comedy. The Family misses a few opportunities to go further with its premise, sticking to a straightforward plot and obvious humor, but its jokes hit the mark and its conflict works well. Those who don’t mind a bit of dark humor should give it a shot. Those looking for something truly outstanding should keep looking.
For a crime comedy about criminals hiding out in a quiet European town, check out In Bruges or American Cousins. For a comedy about superheroes trying to fit in with civilian life, try The Incredibles or Kick-Ass 2. For a comedy with a similar juxtaposition of crime and domesticity, check out The Whole Nine Yards or Mr. and Mrs. Smith. For an absurd parody of mob movies, check out Johnny Dangerously or Mafia!.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid comedy with a few nice touches.