Instant Family
Cert 12A, 118 minutes, in cinemas 14 February
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne Director: Sean Anders
THE PLOT Childless couple Ellie (Byrne) and Pete (Wahlberg) look into adoption, and surprise themselves when they take siblings Juan (sweet, but fragile), Lita (tantrum-prone), and hostile teenager Lizzy. Have they bitten off more than they can chew?
WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT? It’s a nice balance, with family scenes remaining fairly grounded and secondary characters, including the adoption support group, bringing the laughs.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT? The jeopardy to this instant family – the trio’s birth mother suddenly returns to the scene – is resolved a little conveniently, you might feel.
VERDICT Daddy’s Home director Anders makes a surprisingly successful segue into more dramatic fare, loosely inspired by his own experiences adopting three kids. ★★★★ Charles Gant