The Family Tree (2010)

I went into "The Family Tree" with relatively low expectations as the mainstream press gave the film a generally chilly reception. And yet, for me, the movie had an undeniably appealing cast that made it worth a look. This quirky little suburban satire is, quite literally, all over the place. Is it a black and disturbing comedy? Perhaps a tale of warmth and redemption? With tons of characters, dozens of sub-plots, and a tone that veers wildly from one extreme to another--the film has a messiness and chaos that threatens to derail it or sink it permanently. Strangely, though, I quite enjoyed "The Family Tree" in spite of its schizophrenic presentation (or maybe because of it). In earlier scenes, you can't really gauge where the film is going and that certainly kept my interest. Add indie darlings Hope Davis and Dermot Mulroney as the leads with an appealing roster of younger stars (notably Max Thieriot, Britt Robertson, and John Patrick Amedori), and the film starts to take on an unlikely charm.

The film sets its satiric sights on a pretty familiar target: Family dysfunction in a contemporary American brood. Dad is distant, Mom is unfaithful, the daughter is promiscuous, and the son is a religious zealot. The stereotypes are drawn in very broad strokes as the movie begins. From the get-go, the film wants to paint an extremely dark portrait of Americana from a delightful theme song to a surprisingly bleak opening scene. But when a freak accident occurs, it unsettles the disconnected complacency of the clan and may just put them on the road to salvation. When the screenplay stays focused on the family, you can really see the strength in the work. But there is also workplace intrigue at Mulroney's job, a clandestine affair featuring Selma Blair as a loopy teacher, a pot smoking preacher (Keith Carradine), love struck neighbors, and aspiring criminals. It's a lot to take in for a ninety minute film and many of the plot threads are left dangling or are only moderately explored. But it's all just wacky enough to be engaging. The film does go a little soft after its wicked opening, and as things resolve themselves rather tidily--I missed some of the mean-spirited glee of earlier sequences.

Hope Davis remains one of our most underappreciated actors, here she scores in what amounts to two distinct performances. Mulroney hasn't been this loose and appealing in years. And this may be Thieriot's best role to date. I thought his friendship with Amedori (as a rebel interested in his sister) was perhaps the plot's strongest and most interesting relationship. I genuinely liked the entire cast, and that was more than enough to compensate for some of the film's shortcomings. "The Family Tree," with more focus, might have been turned into something quite special. It still worked for me as a sort of slapstick cousin to "American Beauty." While I may not have laughed out loud as often as I wished, I was never less than amused and entertained. Sometimes that's enough! If you're a fan of offbeat and quirky fare, give this one a look. KGHarris, 11/11.

I saw a movie similar to this 10 years ago. This is a lame version of that one. Very boring and not worth watching.

Buy The Family Tree (2010) Now

Black comedy time! This one, presented at the 2010 Seattle International Film Festival and first reviewed by Yours Truly in June of that year, features a classically dysfunctional family: the father, a mildly frustrated mid-level manager, living in a house he can't afford; the mother, a bored do-gooder using her mother's wealth to provide her with a home and charitable projects; the daughter, a Goth teenager who talks a good game but may not be quite as tough as she sounds; the son, a gun enthusiast entertaining thoughts of suicide. This family has actually been fired by a family counselor.

Here's a roster of the actors:

* Dermot Mulroney ("Flash of Genius") is Dad, disheartened by his wife, confused by his daughter, and alarmed by his son's propensity for guns.

* Hope Davis ("Charlie Bartlett") is Mom, nursing an active hatred for her OWN mother, and having a wild fling with a neighbor.

* Brittany Robertson ("Cherry") is the daughter; does that classmate's Mohawk have to be quite so purple and quite so tall?

* Max Thieriot ("Chloe") is the son, trying to be a tough guy for the Lord.

* Keith Carradine ("Nashville") is their minister, who sees their son's marksmanship as a God-given talent.

* Chi McBride ("Pushing Daisies") is the randy neighbor whose enthusiastic lovemaking causes a life-changing accident.

* Jane Seymour ("Wedding Crashers") the world's worst mother/mother-in-law/grandmother.

Mom suffers a brain injury during a zesty tryst with a neighbor. When she awakens from her coma, she can only remember her husband and their early happy courtship and marriage. As family members try to adjust, they slowly come to realize that there just might be a second chance here.

This R-rated romp has fun situations, dark, dark humor, and people to care about. I really enjoyed it! I got my copy from Amazon.com.

Read Best Reviews of The Family Tree (2010) Here

I have been a fan of Dermot Mulroney since I was first introduced to him in "A Longtime Companion". Since then he has several different types of role showing himself to be a very versatile actor, seemingly moving with ease from drama to comedy. Here in this dark comedy, he reveals yet another facet of his talents.

But my real reason for being drawn to this movie is because of Evan Ross. Like Dermot, Evan is a young actor with an astoundingly collection of works after having over 20 different roles in various stages of production. Most of his roles have been intense dramas reflecting a masterful understanding of the classic teen to adult transformation. Of all his roles, "Life is Hot in Cracktown" is possibly his most riveting. He won lots of praise for his role as a confused Muslim teen around the tragedy of 9/11 in "Mooz-lum".

"The Family Tree" adds another deminsion to his impressive resume. It is his first dark comedic role. It is nice to see him step away from some of the other roles he has portrayed. Though he has been successful in the indie world, I firmly believe he is one role away from that mainstream role that will expand his audience further. It comes at a risk though. As good as "Life is Hot in Cracktown" is, it probably wouldn't work with a less demanding audience. His movies have dealt with intense subject matter. And I would hate to see him pass on these types of roles because that is where he excels. Some of Pacino and DeNiro's best work like "Panic in Needle Park" and "Taxi Driver" were not made for the faint at heart.

So while there are many good reasons to see "The Family Tree" with solid performances from Dermot Mulroney and Hope Davis, also see it to discover the works of budding young protege, Evan Ross.

Want The Family Tree (2010) Discount?

"I bet we're the first family ever to be fired by their therapist" After the mother (Davis) of a severely dysfunctional family has an accident and hits her head she wakes up with memory loss. She learns what she was like and what her family life was like and the entire family gets a chance to change. This is very very funny dark comedy. By very dark I mean it opens with someone accidentally hanging himself spying on the mother in bed. From there it gets darker and more and more strange. For those that like edgy humor seen in "Death To Smoochy" or newer movies like "Peep World" and "Super" then this one is for you. If you are easily offended I would stay away from this one. I however thought it was very funny. The only problem was that it got a little repetitive toward the end. Overall, a very funny movie that is not for everyone. I give it a B.

*Also try Peep World

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