Reading over the IMDB user comments, I am rather struck by the grinchiness that filters through. What exactly does one expect from a romantic film released at Christmastime?
THE FAMILY MAN explores the familiar "what might have been" theme by use of three-dimensional characters rather than the Dickensian caricatures that are typically used in this type of story. Nicholas Cage portrays a goodhearted Wall Streeter who cares for his employees at the same time he expects them to work hard. No Ebenezer Scrooge, that. Rather than giving Cage's character the clear evil-versus-good choice that Scrooge was given, the intelligent script guides Cage's character from a decent, rich life, to one that is even more fulfilled, showing that for fulfillment there must be sacrifice. Téa Leoni, who hasn't impressed me before, is excellent in her role of a wholesome-but-sexy wife and mother. The pacing of the film is good, especially for a romance, and the humor is subtle and rich. I can't imagine a better date/holiday movie than this.
THE FAMILY MAN explores the familiar "what might have been" theme by use of three-dimensional characters rather than the Dickensian caricatures that are typically used in this type of story. Nicholas Cage portrays a goodhearted Wall Streeter who cares for his employees at the same time he expects them to work hard. No Ebenezer Scrooge, that. Rather than giving Cage's character the clear evil-versus-good choice that Scrooge was given, the intelligent script guides Cage's character from a decent, rich life, to one that is even more fulfilled, showing that for fulfillment there must be sacrifice. Téa Leoni, who hasn't impressed me before, is excellent in her role of a wholesome-but-sexy wife and mother. The pacing of the film is good, especially for a romance, and the humor is subtle and rich. I can't imagine a better date/holiday movie than this.
