The Family finds Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer on familiar ground. With their earlier film roles involving families of a different kind, their return to cinematic mafia roots is complete. Their latest finds them gleefully biting the hand that fed them as The Family skewers their initial reputations. Both seem to have fun with Luc Besson’s energetic direction highlighting the foibles of an unusual criminal brood.
After informing on his mob buddies to the FBI, Fred Manzoni (De Niro) goes into hiding. Taking along his family, including wife Maggie (Pfeiffer) and two children, they are placed under witness protection. Settling in a sleepy French town, they think their troubles are over. Life isn’t that easy as Fred’s wicked ways conspire to haunt him. With his former friends tracking him down, Frank’s family take up arms and handle any problems as only they know how.
Luc Besson isn’t usually known for his directorial restraint which is something The Family proves. Whilst having some finely filmed action and comedic thrills, it benefits from a well-executed concept. The idea of a criminal family solving everyday suburban problems the ‘family way’ is ripe for genuine laughs. Thankfully The Family has plenty of them with the performers diving into their characters with gusto.
Although far too long The Family remains consistently entertaining. The script is refreshingly free of crude jokes and allows the humour to naturally surface. There are many unexpectedly amusing moments with the finale generating true tension. The comedy and action are expertly blended and the ‘fish out of water’ theme of an American family integrating themselves into French life effectively handled.
A more controlled effort from Besson, The Family is also one of his best. Maintaining its witty escapades until the end, De Niro’s and Pfeiffer’s latest sojourn in mafia life conjures another coda to their familial cap.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 7
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