The Family Tree

"THE FAMILY TREE" Life, Family and Friends Amos Lassen I have been a huge fan of Panamanian director Jorge Ameer since I first began reviewing and, in fact, one of his films was one of the first I ever reviewed. I am lucky that Ameer gives me an early shot at his films just as he has done with his newest film "The Family Tree". I have watched Ameer and his films mature, I never know what to expect with an Ameer film-- his range is so wide and diverse. I was truly in the mood for a sensitive film and that is what "The Family Tree" is. It is also the best film he has made as yet. The plot is amazing, the cinematography is lush, the music is sublimely divine and the production as a whole is stunning. However, because of the nature of the plot, I can't say too much without giving something away and I want everyone to have the same beautiful experience I had watching it. Roy (Michael Joseph Nelson) is married to Alina (Anais Lucia) in this Christmas story. They are eager to bring a child into the world but, it is just not happening for them. Victor (Keith Roenke), comes into their lives and changes everything. The three main characters' lives become intertwined through a series of events that are unsuspected and strongly brings them together and perhaps bring happiness to Roy and Alina. I could not help being drawn into the emotions of what I was watching. As the story moves forward, it touches the viewer evoking emotions especially when we meet Victor, a young workaholic animal rescuer for a local shelter. He is lonely and also an immigrant and he loves the Christmas holidays. When he was a child, Victor made dolls for the holidays, a Panamanian tradition. This year will be really special for him-- he will find love, friendship and especially family. That Christmas something otherworldly enters the world as part of an old Panamanian tradition and through that Victor learns a great deal as does the audience. I love the inclusion of an old Panamanian tradition that is still practiced today. Watching what happens on screen reminds us that we cannot let ourselves forget our good memories and how important it is to be with those who we love The performances are unforgettable all around. In no way did I expect the sensations that the film delivered and it is with tears of sensitivity in my eyes that I am writing this review. Seeing the beauty of the film reinforces that there is never enough beauty in our lives.

This is a very low budget film, set in Panama City (although the chance to showcase this exotic locale is squandered.) The story line is so unrealistically over-the-top that it is downright laughable in places.

The 2 male leads provide some welcome eye candy. But only one of them displays any acting ability, with the other droning his lines without any change in expression or inflection throughout the entire film.

While the plot is ludicrous, it is not the worst thing about this film. That honor is split between 2 technical aspects. The first of these is the atrocious sound quality, with much of the dialogue being completely incomprehensible. ( This is true not only through the entire film, but also in the extra features on the disk.) In addition, the entire film is so poorly edited, with static scene after static scene, each running to 2 to 3 times the length that would be needed to make its point. Thus, there is no sense of pacing, as the film creeps along to its bloated 2+ hours in length.

In short, this movie is unsuccessful in so many ways: unable to tell a cogent, believable story, or to do it in an entertaining and technically proficient manner. Little redeeming value here.

A nice and warm, an authentic family movie! Great to watch with your loved once, especially at the weekends or on holidays! :)

I like this film so much. When it is about friendship it is so fantastic. Always a fan of these kinds of movies! The artists are so lovely.

This film builds slowly but surely until by the end it has you! I challenge even the most stiff upper lip of you not to be moved by this film. Why? Because it comes from the heart! It is unafraid to express itself in an unpretentious way. Isn't this what film-making is supposed to be? Excellent work.