"The Family" - a conspicuously forgettable film featuring Robert de Niro.....
When one has acted in as many movies as Robert de Niro: with aplomb, intensity, variety and style; then one can be excused if he has conceded to play a role in rather mediocre film like “The Family”. Released in 2013; directed by Luc Besson and loosely based on a French novel named “Malavita” – this is a story of a High class Mob family from Brooklyn, secretly transported to a Remote town in Normandy, France under the FBI’s Witness protection program. Genetically programmed for violence and revenge, this sweet family consisting of Monzani (De niro), his wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer!!), a smart son played by John D’leo and a beautiful, virginal daughter played to perfection (the only redeeming feature in the movie) by Dianna Agron –. find it extremely difficult to keep their temper in place in this small town that is quintessentially French; and hence hate anything remotely American (including Peanut butter!). The FBI officer whose task it is to keep the family and the town safe from gang wars is none other than Tommy Lee Jones. Can you believe it? With such a star cast assembled under one roof, one would have imagined that the movie will sparkle with artistic brilliance, but unfortunately, this comic book spoof of Mafia retaliation leaves nobody with a chance to perform anything even remotely close their average best. One can almost imagine De niro getting up from bed in the morning and Jogging his way to the shooting spot to complete his shot as a daily chore….
Yet, it is a watchable film, if one is looking for two hours of pure entertainment (albeit, of a baser kind). Picture book characters, hilarious dialogues, smooth innuendos, pacy screenplay; and gives enough time to eat your popcorn, gulp Pepsi or beer (whatever..) and come out of this drama with a sense a light headedness, that one is used to, when the brain has nothing to do but gape and laugh at the sheer farcical concoction of a story on screen. If that is what one wants, then this is the ambrosia for you…
Robert De Niro is one of the finest actors of this generation in my book. I am sure no one would disagree with that observation. For somebody who has adorned the role of Vito Corleone in God father II (for which he received an Academy award); and now to play this caricature of a Mafia Don would seem bit out of place. It’s a probably a quick paycheck for him with minimum of sweat and toil. It is also, perhaps, a sign of times that he is getting older and not enough screen space as some of the younger and less talented actors do. And for one of the busiest, most hardworking actors Hollywood has ever known; to be sidelined can truly hurt. There is a clear sense of laziness, or shall I say, weariness in his performance in this film: The bearded look, distraught eyes and almost completely bereft of the brilliance that we are used to seeing in him. I wouldn't want to see this great actor gamble for roles that lesser mortals can perform. We have enough body of work to attest to his incredible virtuosity and commitment. Nothing more is required.
Finally, Mr De Niro - here is a personal plea. Please be choosy about your films. YOU can afford to……
God bless…..
Yet, it is a watchable film, if one is looking for two hours of pure entertainment (albeit, of a baser kind). Picture book characters, hilarious dialogues, smooth innuendos, pacy screenplay; and gives enough time to eat your popcorn, gulp Pepsi or beer (whatever..) and come out of this drama with a sense a light headedness, that one is used to, when the brain has nothing to do but gape and laugh at the sheer farcical concoction of a story on screen. If that is what one wants, then this is the ambrosia for you…
Robert De Niro is one of the finest actors of this generation in my book. I am sure no one would disagree with that observation. For somebody who has adorned the role of Vito Corleone in God father II (for which he received an Academy award); and now to play this caricature of a Mafia Don would seem bit out of place. It’s a probably a quick paycheck for him with minimum of sweat and toil. It is also, perhaps, a sign of times that he is getting older and not enough screen space as some of the younger and less talented actors do. And for one of the busiest, most hardworking actors Hollywood has ever known; to be sidelined can truly hurt. There is a clear sense of laziness, or shall I say, weariness in his performance in this film: The bearded look, distraught eyes and almost completely bereft of the brilliance that we are used to seeing in him. I wouldn't want to see this great actor gamble for roles that lesser mortals can perform. We have enough body of work to attest to his incredible virtuosity and commitment. Nothing more is required.
Finally, Mr De Niro - here is a personal plea. Please be choosy about your films. YOU can afford to……
God bless…..
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