Instant Family may not quite capture the complexity of real-life adoption, but fittingly for the unconditional bond it honors, this flawed yet well-intentioned dramedy is ultimately worth the investment.
It's embarrassing to watch Tig Notaro, Octavia Spencer, Julie Hagerty, and Joan Cusack struggle to find footing in this abyss.
Read full articleAnders and his wife are parents to three adopted children, and there's a sense of verisimilitude and attention to detail regarding both the joys and the travails of foster care.
Read full articleThe ending is hardly revolutionary, but there are some satisfying twists along the way and a cast of characters whose fate you find yourself caring about.
Read full articleIf it can't entirely banish the spectre of 12A-rated blandness from its doorstep, Instant Family retains the obvious appeal of watching basically nice people attempt a fundamentally decent thing for a few hours.
Read full articleMoving, endearing and entertaining. This is a far more thoughtful and accomplished family comedy than expected.
Read full articleA real surprise when it came out, a film as full of laughs as it is heart.
Read full articleInstant Family is a heartfelt mainstream comedy without the gross-out gags, yet is still funny and surprisingly moving.
Read full articleSuper funny... [but] because it's so lighthearted, people who actually have a relationship with the foster system might respond of two ways: like it's a little bit romanticized.
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