INSTANT FAMILY
(12A)
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INSPIRED by the experiences of writerdirector Sean Anders, this is a sweet and touching comedy drama about foster parenting, which delivers its core messages of patience and self-sacrifice with sincerity and tear-filled eyes.
The opening hour of Anders’ picture, co-written by John Morris, mines a steady supply of chuckles from the misadventures of a happily married couple who welcome three troubled tykes into their ordered home.
Anders’ light touch and occasional splashes of syrupy sentiment give way to hard knocks and painful home truths in a poignant second half that promises to exhaust every handkerchief you have tucked in a pocket or sleeve.
Instant Family earns its heartfelt emotional release by focusing intently on the inner turmoil of children who have been discarded and sometimes starved of affection and need someone to provide them with stability and a safe harbour from the darkness of the past.
Pete Wagner (Mark Wahlberg) and wife Ellie
(Rose Byrne) renovate
THE OATH
tired properties. The couple have never seriously discussed raising children until an argument between Ellie and her sister Kim (Allyn Rachel) prompts a serious debate about foster parenting.
Pete and Ellie naively undergo a training course run by sassy social workers Sharon (Tig Notaro) and Karen (Octavia Spencer), who hammer home the physical and emotional toll that lies ahead.
“These kids will push buttons you never knew you had,” they warn.
Once Pete and Ellie have qualified, they offer a home to troubled 15-year-old Lizzy (Isabela Moner) and her siblings: 10-year-old Juan (Gustavo Quiroz) and six-year-old Lita (Julianna Gamiz).
After a honeymoon period, the Wagners clash with Lizzy, who is convinced that her drug addict mother will clean up her act and reassert her custody rights.
“We’ve just got to accept that we made a terrible mistake and our lives are gonna suck now,” observes Pete with a rueful smile. Relatives rally around the couple, including Pete’s mother (Margo Martindale), who makes child-rearing seem effortless. HHHHH
SCATHING black comedy. Chris (Ike Barinholtz) and his wife Kai (Tiffany Haddish) are shocked by news that all Americans must sign The Patriot’s Oath by Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, pledging unswerving loyalty to the US president. As the deadline draws near, Chris and Kai host a dinner party attended by family and friends. Animated discussion around the dinner table turns to the oath and the wildly contrasting politics of family members sparks conflict. When two government agents (John Cho, Billy Magnussen), arrive unannounced and make damning accusations, the mood darkens.
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