Familienchaos

I loved it. But then you have to love this KIND of movie to enjoy it. It's not an epic motion picture, it isn't CGI laden, it's just a movie about people and the relationships and camaraderie they can form in spite of their vast differences. This is one of those movies where at least one of the characters is so you, someone you can really relate to. Sure it's not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.

This movie could of been so much more. I enjoyed it to a certain extent, but there was something kind of Disney about it. Kind of surreal. The performances are absolutley fabulous though, especially on the behalf on Cybil Shepard and Robert Sean Lenord, who seem to carry the movie. If your into cutesy romance comedies, this is good movie for you to see, otherwise just stay away.

Don't understand why critics hate this movie so much. Great cast, great acting (excluding Cybill Shepard, but what can you do?), and different angles used to show how marriage is different things to different people.

As a lifelong bachelor (no, I'm not gay), this movie gave me additional insight into marriages (besides the ones I've observed in real life), and sometimes reflected my experiences I have been through in long term relationships.

I really like this movie.

Chuck and Nina Bishop grew up together in Iowa and have moved to New York City, and they are the cutest couple. He is successful in the investment world (though not too successful, since they can't afford nice furniture yet), and she is a school psychologist. Chuck has to compete with Jeremy, who is charming and cares more about money and success than rules (which is truly ironic since Paul Gross later impressed us as the impeccably straight mountie in "Due South").

John and Iris Morden were hippies and part of the 60s culture that protested injustice. He works in the welfare department and seems to have lost his enthusiasm. Former Mayor Ed Koch misses Iris but never says exactly what she did. She seems to work in some arts-related job now. The couple has two sons who appear relatively normal, though one has hair like Bart Simpson.

Leo runs a toy factory and apparently gave that a higher priority than his first wife Madeleine, who seems to despise him. He spends some time with daughter Lucy, who hates Leo's new wife Claire, a spoiled rich ... rhymes with witch.

These very different couples are brought together by a common interest--Lucy and the Morden boys attend the same exclusive school where Nina works.

All three couples have their problems, and for two of the couples the difficulties become serious enough to require lawyers.

I enjoyed this movie when it was funny, which was most of the time. I especially liked seeing Cybill Shepherd being obnoxious, acting like the whole world must cater to her every need and expressing surprise that not everyone has all the comforts and advantages. Donna Vivino was adorable as Lucy. Most of the leading actors gave good performances.

Where the movie had problems was in getting too dramatic. This would not be a bad thing for everyone who watches is, but I was watching to laugh. The ending, however, was satisfying.

Overall, I was happy.

This movie was a genuine attempt to bring people down to earth about good old family values in a world where they seem to be less and less relevant. The characters are seen to work real hard to deal with the ups and downs of everyday life - The nuts and bolts that wear out as time goes by. It is truly touching the way they end up supporting and helping each other during tough times.

I give this movie a thumbs up because its characters have a sense of morality, I wish they had a bit more depth though. Over all the movie is a wonderful experience, for the whole family to enjoy. But it is not for everyone. This is one of those movies that some people will like and other will hate. Whether you like it or not will most likely depend upon what your parents taught you when you where kids. So give it a try. The 'f***' word is used at one point but I do not feel it makes the movie any less enjoyable for the family.