“Instant Family” Is An Instant Classic

“Instant Family” (Paramount Pictures)

Move over Sandra Bullock, “Blind Side” just got major competition as my go to sentimental, cry me a river, favorite family film. The Mark Wahlberg/Rose Byrne starrer “Instant Family” puts the movie thanks back in Thanksgiving. It is a wildly warm and wonderful movie that not only entertains but teaches us a thing or two about foster parenting. That’s right! You can love and learn from this movie.

I had been waiting on this movie with great anticipation since I first saw the trailer a few months ago. I was primed to be disappointed because of my high anticipation but this movie delivered on all counts.The story of Pete and Ellie (Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne) is based on true events. This couple decided to forego having children the natural way but instead opted to foster with the hope of adoption. They first selected fifteen year old Lizzie (Isabel Moner) but then added her younger siblings Juan ( Gustavo Quiroz) and Lita (Julianna Gamiz). It was a big undertaking but they soldiered through.

The movie is totally not rushed, which is a blessing as it takes time to see the evolution of all of the relationships. Seeing each tentative step on the part of the parents and the kids provides magical moments in the movie. As a viewer you are absorbed into the story and live your way through it.

The acting in this film is impeccable. Not only are Wahlberg, Byrne and the actors who play the kids perfectly cast, they also supplement the performances of each other. Throw in a dynamite cameo by Margo Martindale as Wahlberg’s mom and you have an abundance of riches. And I haven’t even mentioned the superlative talents of Octavia Spencer, Tig Notaro, Julie Hagerty, Joan Cusak and Michael O’Keefe. Each and every person in this movie is there for a purpose and audiences will feast on the glory of the peripheral stories.

The film is rated PG-13 for profanity.

Too often movies this warm and fuzzy are dismissed and denied their due. But let me lend my voice to say “Instant Family” is an instant classic that will entertain audiences over and over again. It is certainly making my ten best list of the year and I am proud to include it.

Just because a movie has heart, humor and an emotional message does not mean it is not also a film filled with good acting, directing, cinematography, etc. This one has all of that and more. Do yourself a favor. If you want to fall in love with a movie the way you used to fall in love with movies, then go see “Instant Family”.

I scored “Instant Family” a popped up 8 out of 10.

Jackie K Cooper

www.jackiekcooper.com