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The Family Fang
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Compelling, mature dramedy about family dysfunction.
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The Family Fang
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What's the Story?
There's a reason that Baxter (Jason Bateman), a writer, and Annie (Nicole Kidman), an actress, prefer to avoid discussing their parents (Christopher Walken and Maryann Plunkett). Their mom and dad made a living as performance artists, as their art included giving their children roles in their "improv" pieces, which led to plenty of memories, both good and bad. Now grown-ups, Baxter and Annie prefer to stay away -- except they can't, not after Baxter is accidentally shot while on assignment and their parents are called in to help. Annie, who needs some time away from work anyway, comes home too to help her brother maintain his sanity. But then their parents disappear -- and that's when things get even more complicated.
Is It Any Good?
Based on the novel by Kevin Wilson, THE FAMILY FANG is an unflinching look at what it's like to come of age as the child of very eccentric parents. As Tolstoy wrote, "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." And the Fangs are indeed unhappy in their own particular -- and deeply compelling -- way. Directed by Bateman with a deft, sensitive touch, this drama has humor mined from pain in its DNA, and it will resonate with many viewers, even if they didn't grow up with eccentric artists.
The shadows of Baxter and Annie's creative, self-involved parents loom large, but the movie doesn't rely on cheap shots that diminish the layers of a difficult-but-loving parent-child relationship. A mystery plot thread that runs through the film echoes the mysteries inherent in the way we all relate with our families of origin: Do we ever really know who our parents are? And are we just extensions of them? If so, how do we separate?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes The Family Fang a coming-of-age story. How would you define that term? What do coming-of-age stories tend to have in common?
Are the Fangs a happy family? How does the film address their dysfunction? Do the kids have a true voice in their relationship -- both personal and professional -- with their parents?
For movies based on books, do you usually prefer the novel or the movie? Why? How do you feel when the filmmakers make changes to the original story? Why do you think that happens?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 29, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: July 5, 2016
- Cast: Christopher Walken , Nicole Kidman , Jason Bateman
- Director: Jason Bateman
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Starz Media
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters , Brothers and Sisters
- Run time: 105 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: some language
- Last updated: June 19, 2023
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