The Family Stone Reviews

Go ahead--throw the first stone. Throw it right at the screen. Take aim, wind up and let the rocks rip.

Full Review | Original Score: D

The third act is marred by a moment of triteness that is uncharacteristic of the delicious and subtle complexity of the rest of the movie. Not your standard holiday family drivel!

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

The romantic realignments, which come later in the film, become transparent almost immediately.

Full Review

Showered with such gifts as McAdams and Danes, Bezucha surprisingly squeezes precious few laughs out of his syrupy yuletide cider.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4

A wildly uneven, poorly-written film without much entertainment value.

Full Review | Original Score: C

This is wonderful; it has heart and humor.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

Let's just call it Meet the Stepmom for the Holidays and be done with it.

| Original Score: 6/10

One of those films that succeeds not because it surprises you, but because it does what you want it to do -- and it does so pretty well.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5

So determined to pair everyone up, whether logically or not, you'd think Noah's Ark was coming to town

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10

Like the character of Meredith, the film's bravado cannot mask a messy soul but should be given respect for showing up and sticking it out.

| Original Score: B

Nothing like a little poignancy to mask a distasteful Christmas brew. But Rachel McAdams is hot.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5

As one of the more likable holiday films to come around in a long time, the comedy The Family Stone will also surprise you with its depth and emotional appeal.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

And here, just in time for the holidays, is a television movie all dressed like a feature film.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4

The dark humor is amusing enough to suck you into the film, and the melodramatic conclusion will send you out of the theater with a tear in your eye.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

The movie's stock base: pat revelations and cheap manipulations.

Full Review | Original Score: C-

Gleefully irreverent and proudly offbeat in its rhythmic mix of pluckiness and pathos, Bezucha's festive family farce is up front and center.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

One of the things I like about The Family Stone is that the characters seem real. They may have some quirks, but they're realistic quirks, not those devised by an overly clever screenwriter.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

There are just too many damn characters, with the best ones taking a backseat to the dullish love quadrangle.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5

It feels forcibly formulaic and yet sort of daringly original, all at the same time.

| Original Score: B

One of those cloying familiar whacky holiday formulaic sitcom drama/comedies that is what it is.

Full Review | Original Score: C