La neve nel cuore

I admit, I only rented this DVD because I like the Wilson brothers and one of them (Luke) is in it. I don't even remember this film being in the theaters. But I loved it! It was one of the most entertaining movies I've seen in quite awhile. Cinematically, it was nothing impressive, but the writing and the acting was quite good and the end actually made me cry (that's pretty hard to do). It is a rare movie where I can honestly say, everyone in the cast did a great job. And the screenwriters did a great job too. One problem with a lot of Hollywood films, for me at least, is the unbelievability of the characters or the one-sidedness of characters. All of the characters in this film were believable and had good and bad aspects to them. I guess if you are looking for a more fantasy-based storyline, this wouldn't be the film for you. The interactions are all very realistic and it plays out like a realistic holiday that could occur in just about any family. You won't come away from the film learning any great, deep lessons, but you will come away feeling entertained, and wishing that you could keep in touch with the characters to see where their lives take them.

I enjoyed this one, It was just sort of addictive watching this eccentric (normal) family going about the trials and tribulations of love and life at Christmas. Sarah Jessica Parker is an absolute mess here and super fun to watch, she steals the movie actually which surprised the hell out me because she doesn't usually have that much range.

A touching comedy about an uptight, ultra conservative businesswoman (ice queen) who accompanies her boyfriend to his outgoing and screwy family's annual Christmas celebration. He has plans to propose, she is overwhelmed by the hostile reception.

Great extended cast too, including Craig T. Nelson & Diane Keaton as the parents with Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Elizabeth Reaser and Luke Wilson as the kids and (an underused) Claire Danes. I enjoyed everyone's character here and was entertained by the mayhem throughout, even surprised by some of the events. Great acting from all amid moments of humour and even some heartbreak (Keaton has a couple of very raw scenes). 12/23/14

I'm going to keep it short since I just did a rewatch after having seen it almost 20 years ago, yes, time flies, isn't it...? And something still irks me to this day, I remember quite well it was advertised then, as it is today in Netflix, as a "Christmas" movie, and I mean, sure, it is winter, there is snow, and there are a couple of extra things that has to be there but it is a bit too much on the nose at times, I know, I know, it was 2005, but the low punches since the very beginning where a bit too much, and of course it is going to make you cry for all the wrong reasons in this genre but anyway, maybe watch it in any other time of the year? While you are not depressed/sad already, of course.

They can act full of hate,discrimination & judgement during a holiday that's fine. Julie is welcomed without questions,for what she says or does. Frankly I don't blame Meredith for the,awkwardness of her behavior. Than how things end up,just make it more bizarre. The few times it had good moments,was overshadowed with something negative. Cast & cinematography,was something decently done. Ben was respectful to Meredith,but still didn't save the movie. Glad Meredith felt some peace towards the end,but frankly the family didn't deserve her. Or maybe her & the sister,was needed for the family to turnaround. Watch it but if you ever felt unwelcomed,in a family despite trying your best.. Skip it!

The Family Stone (2005) surprised me in a very good way. All of the actors did very well with the script and with both the funny and dramatic scenes. Sarah Jessica Parker earned a golden globe nomination for this movie, very well deserved! Sarah nailed both her dramatic and humorous dialogue in the various scenes. Of course Diane Keaton did very well in her own character, along with Craig T. Nelson (Poltergeist). Rachel McAdams did a great job as well, and Claire Danes was my favorite character in the entire movie. The script, storyline, and dialogue between characters was all very sharp and well written in my opinion. This movie actually has some pleasing surprises and twists that you definitely do not see coming, at least I didn't! Overall this is a fun, entertaining, funny, dramatic, well acted, and well written holiday film that will warm your heart and for sure make you laugh! 7/10 for The Family Stone.