I have never been a huge fan of Sarah Jessica Parker (Miami Rhapsody), or Rachel McAdams (Mean Girls) for that matter; the former is far too skinny for my tastes and the other cute, but over-rated. So they were not the reason I decided to watch The Family Stone (2005). No, that reason lie in the unique and understated beauty of actress Claire Danes (Stage Beauty), who seems to illuminate a room by her very presence.

It made no difference to me that the premise of the movie failed to move me; I just wanted to see Clair on the screen once again work her magic. And so it was that I watched The Family Stone Mr. Parkers first large screen appearance since Sex in The City left the HBO airwaves bound for endless cable reruns. For this appearance Ms. Parker did not fall far from Sex character, portraying Meredith, a fashion obsessed investment banker dating fellow investment banker Evert (Demont Mulroney) who brings her home to meet his close-knit family for Christmas.

The family Stone consists of the father Kelly Stone (Craig T. Nelson), mother Sybil (Diane Keaton); brothers, Ben and Thad portrayed Luke Wilson and Tyrone Giordano, and; sisters Amy, and Susannah, portrayed by McAdams and Elizabeth Reaser. The family of course takes an instant and palpable disliking to Meredith and she calls in reinforcements in the guise of her sister Julie portrayed by the aforementioned Danes.

As soon as Julie appears Evert is smitten and sets about wooing her despite his affiliation to her Meredith who has taken a liking to Ben. Meanwhile, mom is dying of breast cancer, Amy is adrift in life, Susannah is pregnant and estranged from her husband, and Thad and his Gay partner Patrick portrayed by Brian J. White (The Shield, Stomp The Yard) are trying to adopt.

Written and directed by newcomer Thomas Bezucha, The Family Stone is a somewhat predictable, mildly fun movie that would be instantly forgettable if it were not for Ms. Danes. Not that her performance was any more laudable than the rest of the case—who all did a fine job by the way—it that she looked adorable doing it. Early in the movie you get the impression that there will come a time when one of the Stones will not survive until the last frame, which is a more than a bit formulaic. But dive into the illness is just enough to tug the heartstrings, yet still preserve a happy ending for all; if only real-life worked out that way!

However the clearly paved cinematic road The Family Stone traverses did not prevent me from enjoying the movie, which is certain fit for a snowbound Saturday night at home with that special someone.


Recommended: Yes

Movie Mood: Family Movie
Viewing Method: Other
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Plot