I don't really get the reasoning behind The Family Stone's title. The use of the word "Stone" puzzles me because the dynamic of the family illustrated in the film is anything but "stony." After watching advertisements for the film, I thought the movie would be a typical romantic comedy about bringing your significant other home for the first time to meet your family and all the joys that come with that first awkward meeting. That was my first mistake. Stone is an intense movie, definitely not your average happy-go-lucky romantic comedy.
My second mistake was taking my 10-year-old sister to see the PG-13 movie. I figured the film would have some inappropriate language and sexual behavior. However, the movie takes on many adult issues such as interracial relationships, homosexual relationships and adoption, heterosexual relationships and cancer. The material and the dialogue felt suitable for audience members older than 13, and I'm certain many things flew over my sister's head.
If you enjoy classic Diane Keaton movies, such as Something's Gotta Give (2003) or The First Wives Club (1996), you will enjoy her performance as Sybil Stone, the cancer-stricken mother who just wants the best for her children, especially her son Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney). Mulroney, recently seen in The Wedding Date (2005), epitomizes the quiet, handsome, nice guy who doesn't know what he wants, which is evident when he brings home Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker) to meet his family for Christmas. If anyone represents a "stone," it is Parker's character. Immediately, Meredith, a stiff and neurotic woman, bumps heads with all of the close-knit, laid-back family, except for Luke Wilson's character, Ben Stone. Wilson brings subtle comic relief to the plot as Everett's pot-smoking, friendly brother and is the only one who gives Meredith a chance. Given the situation, Meredith calls in her sister, Julie Morton (Claire Danes), for help.
The family immediately falls in love with Julie, who is the complete opposite of Meredith. Consequently, love triangles form between Julie, Meredith, Ben and Everett. Overall, the actors' individual performances are satisfactory, but the multiple issues addressed in the script are overwhelming.
-- Reviewed by Suzanne Schulner
