“The Family Stone” is the perfect start to the holiday movie season. The 2005 film was written and directed by Thomas Bezucha. It stars a horde of top tier talent and mixes romance, comedy and drama in an unparalleled way.
The titular Stone family and their large suburban home is at the center of the action. The characters are introduced in a typical fashion as each arrives one at a time to a house that’s draped with decorations and snow. They are an eclectic and dynamic bunch of characters one can relate with. As the Stone clan prepares for another Christmas together, sleeping in their childhood bedrooms. Each member of the family is incredibly different in their own unique way.
At the forefront is oldest son Everett (Dermot Mulroney) and new girlfriend Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) who is meeting her beau’s wild family for the very first time. The gist of the plot is the shy and seemingly snooty Meredith’s inability to successfully blend in with the family. Everett and Meredith appear to be the picture perfect couple. But the progression of the story reveals some deeper connections at play, and a twist you won’t see coming. “What I don’t understand is what he sees in her!” Stone patriarch Kelly (Craig T. Nelson) bellows to wife Sybil (Diane Keaton). Petty squabbling aside, the Stone family is the cool group we could all wish to be a part of.
Amy (Rachel McAdams) is the smartaleck youngest sister. She drives a clunker of a car and carries an NPR handbag. She clashes perfectly with the overly formal and uptight Everett. Ben (Luke Wilson) is the quirky free spirit of the group. Elizabeth Reaser and Tyrone Giordano complete the Stone children. We see the bond the large family has, as well as the dysfunctionality.
The plot includes great nuance amongst the characters with Thad (Giordano) being deaf, and in an interracial homosexual relationship with Patrick (Brian J. White). The family members interact so well with each other, the viewer can reminisce about Christmases that must have happened many times before the events of the film.
“The Family Stone” deals with many themes. The sibling rivalry that the characters harbor is one that comes with all blood relatives. The incredibly awkward insertion of the outsider Meredith leaves us laughing and embarrassed with her at the same time. We know that Meredith wants to fit in and as the Stone’s poke holes at her, we can’t help but feel for her. We also see the bond and butting between Meredith and her own sister Julie (Claire Danes) who arrives in time to stir up an already buzzing hornets’ nest. The acting from all players is great, with Sarah Jessica Parker stealing the show.
Most holiday movies are just that. Movies. “The Family Stone” is a holiday film. It’s crafted in an artistic way with a story that’s excellently written. Funny, emotional, and tear jerking all at the same time. It’s a DVD you’ll want to purchase for yearly replay value.
