Review of The Family Man
Year: 2000 Reviewer: Chris Docker
Again, this was slightly better than I expected and, as it makes a worthy attempt, within the confines of a fairly standard Kleenex-and-popcorn movie, of arguing for the values that money can't buy, it has just enough substance to talk about afterwards and is slightly above the run-of-the-mill family-values love story. Nicholas Cage says farewell to Tea Leoni at the airport for what is meant to be a year's separation while they both further their careers. He resists her last minute attempt to persuade him to throw out the game-plan and stay. Instead of getting back together, he goes on to become a big-shot on Wall Street. Later, he is given a glimpse of how life could have been if he had married Tea Leoni's character, had kids and lived within very modest means. At first resisting strongly what he perceives as a no-hope situation, he eventually learns to love it. The predictable ending is saved by a few minor twists but basically this is a straightforward tear-jerker. Although it's been done better before, that's no reason not to enjoy it now. The most difficult thing (for me) to believe was why the character played by the beautiful and relatively unknown Tea Leoni is so incredibly in love with Nicholas Cage. He comes across as passable at best, looks many years older (even though they were supposed to be at college together and the two actors are of similar age) and only just about makes the grade (after a long struggle) on admirable qualities. Tea Leoni's character, on the other hand, is not only drop-dead gorgeous but has the emotional qualities and personality that would make almost any man want to marry her. He looks worn and haggard in the film except when he's being a big shot, whereas she looks young and sparkling (and I can't wait for her next movie!).
Rating: Unrated
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