The Family Stone

2005

The Family Stone

Critics Consensus

This family holiday dramedy features fine performances but awkward shifts of tone.

53%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 158

63%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 403,822
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Movie Info

A man brings his ice-queen girlfriend home for Christmas to meet his eccentric family. Overwhelmed by the hostile reception, the girlfriend begs her sister to join her for emotional support, only to trigger more problems.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (for some sexual content including dialogue, and drug references)
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Directed By:
    Thomas Bezucha
  • Written By:
    Thomas Bezucha
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Box Office:
    $59,856,288
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    20th Century Fox Distribution

Cast

Claire Danes
as Julie Morton
Diane Keaton
as Sybil Stone
Sarah Jessica Parker
as Meredith Morton
Rachel McAdams
as Amy Stone
Dermot Mulroney
as Everett Stone
Craig T. Nelson
as Kelly Stone
Luke Wilson
as Ben Stone
Ty Giordano
as Thad Stone
Brian J. White
as Patrick Thomas
Elizabeth Reazer
Elizabeth Reaser
as Susannah Stone Trousdale
Paul Schneider
as Brad Stevenson
Savannah Stehlin
as Elizabeth Trousdale
Jamie Kaler
as John Trousdale
Robert Dioguardi
as David Silver
Carol Locatell
as Jeweler
Ginna Carter
as Jittery Cashier
Gus Buktenica
as Bartender
Michael Pemberton
as Bus Driver One
Jill Remez
as (Voice)
Ron Wall
as Bus Driver Two
Christopher Parker
as Inn Receptionist
Tim Simonec
View All

News & Interviews for The Family Stone

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Critic Reviews for The Family Stone

All Critics (158) | Top Critics (40) | Fresh (83) | Rotten (75)

View All Critic Reviews (158)

Audience Reviews for The Family Stone

  • Dec 14, 2012
    The Family Stone is a messy, convoluted family comedy that gets lost in itself. The story follows Everett Stone as he brings his girlfriend home for Christmas to meet his family, and the shenanigans that ensue. The film has an all-star cast that includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, Rachel McAdams, and Luke Wilson. However, the script is weak; going off on several tangents and the tone is constantly changing. As a result, the story never gets going and is constantly battling between comedy and drama. Lacking focus and clear direction, The Family Stone is an underwhelming and chaotic film that's not very entertaining.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Apr 26, 2012
    The cast give it their best shot, but they can't save this film from a script full of contrived drama and jarring tone inconsistencies. When the film is trying to be dramatic, it feels like a Lifetime channel movie. The relationships are unbelievable and the family comes across as unpleasant and mean. When the film is trying to be funny, it is humorless slapstick that is usually placed after "serious" moments. The movie is also very blandly directed and the cinematography is TV movie quality. Their is some good acting and a few little laughs but the film does not work as a whole. This movie is not a "feel-good" romantic comedy, it is a "feel-bad" TV movie that somehow missed the Lifetime channel.
    Christopher H Super Reviewer
  • Jun 23, 2011
    Heartwarming. Everyone in this film was exceptional. The acting was outstanding and the story was cleverly and beautifully written. You don't except the ending and Sarah Jessica Parker really did have a good role in this film. A must see!
    Bethany M Super Reviewer
  • Nov 27, 2010
    Completely underrated! Great film!
    Jameson W Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

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