Family Weekend

This was a pretty solid and unexpected comedy. I laughed out loud quite a bit and enjoyed the nicely drawn character interactions. The whole production was several steps above what I was expecting (for a film with not much fanfare).

The cast is excellent top to bottom. Kristin Chenoweth brings her usual spark. Matthew Modine, an actor I've found to be more miss than hit over the years, brings a self-absorbed charm to his part. But it's Olesya Rulin who fully inhabits her character that really propels the movie forward and serves as the heart, soul and brain of the movie. I fell in love with the character as soon as she compiled and presented a neat three-binder of The Plan.

The other characters in the family are a bit too obvious in their stereotypes but the actors manage to elevate the material enough to avoid broad caricatures. The story beats are familiar and expected, but I was charmed enough by the production to not really mind.

The movie does suffer from an odd identity crisis, though. It's rated R--a soft R with slight profanity and sexual discussion (such as anal sex) but no gore, sustained raunchiness or similar content. It's a wonder to think that this rather innocuous movie has the same rating as the Saw or Hangover films. I'm not sure if they were going for a PG-13, missed the mark, and didn't have enough cash to re-cut it or if this was planned as an R movie.

The movie probably would have done better with the larger potential audience of a PG-13 rating, especially given the 16-year old protagonist and the family-based storyline.

Recommended for those who like quirky family comedies with a slight edge to them (Little Miss Sunshine-ish) and for competitive jump-rope enthusiasts (which I did not know was a thing).

And what should family mean? No family is "perfect." We have hard times that can change the coarse of life. Family is love. In it's own twisted way sometimes. Family Weekend shows us that we, as a family, can fall apart really fast and never notice. That we can say things to siblings that can be really hurtful and never give a second thought. The point is to all ways come back no matter what. Because no one is perfect but it's up to us to make a difference in ones life. Family Weekend shows us that sometimes we have to go the extra mile to prove that someone is wrong and that we ether have to "fix" it or "save" it no matter what the costs. We have to accept the card we've been dealt even if that means some screaming and mental pain for a couple days. Because we have to stick it out. Because if we don't...what would family really be? I highly suggest this movie for anyone who has had family problems or is going through them. It's an encouragement in it's own way.

First thing, it was not your a typical film. Though it lacked the proper story structure. The concept seems silly. Like only for cinematically happenable. Since it is not about so serious, they had to cover all scenes, events within its classification, which were not bad actually. But the thing is, it is an R film with the majority of the cast was children. In reality, most of them were in their 20s, but the story wise, they are teens.

A teenager decides to take hostage of her parents to teach them some lesson for not attending her sporting competition. Her siblings join, and a couple of outsiders too. It was not a well planned event of the weekend, so some unexpected turn takes. But how it all ends, the consequence of such undertaking, all told is the final quarters.

A unique and an entertaining film. Despite lots of fun, there are some serious side too. Like awareness about the family unity. Being there for one another in all circumstances. Some viewers might get emotional too. In one of the scenes with a knife in the mouth, I scared that something bad could happen. Olesya Rulin was good. I hope she does more films in the lead. The film was four years old, so Joey was younger than her recent films I've seen. She's one of the next big star. Watch it if you are bored of regular comedies, yet still it is just an above average.

6.5/10

This is a oddity of a sweet family movie. Yes it's rated R for some suggestive language and of course, kidnapping, and mild drug use. 16-year old Emily holds her parents capture at home the weekend of her state jumping finals because she wants them to remember how they used to be a loving family. The moral is clear and she makes her point. I would watch this with a family (kids age 12+). Kristen Chenowith, Matthew Modine co-star, but it's really the kids who shine here, most notably the star, Oleysa Rulin, and actors who portray her siblings: Joey King, Robbie Tucker, and Eddie Hassle It's a sweet and strange movie.

it's been a long time since I've watched a comedy with a message, i wouldn't call this a comedy though it's filled with crazy funny moments because there were also dramatic moments which were very touching and brought me closer to the characters as they were not characters that i laugh at but people with stories and lives worthy of exploring, the film is full of lessons about family, love, what's important in life, and how to be true to yourself. the performances were excellent especially of the main character our queen of weirdness olesya rulin who was completely capable of fixating our eyes on her and waiting anxiously for what she's going to do next but there was also a gem shining all over the movie the personification of talent and awesomeness joey king an amazing brilliant actress who will blow your minds and make you fall in love with every crazy thing she does. the movie left me with a big smile on my face