Instant Family (2018)

I gave my 12 year old a choice. Either Wreck-it Ralph 2 or this movie and he chose “Instant Family”. This one isn’t too bad, despite all its heavy handedness. Mark Wahlberg & Rose Byrne are pros at this genre and they make good chemistry as a couple who chooses to adopt a trio of foster kids to fill a gaping hole in their lives. It’s a sweet film with a very good message. It does work for the most part and the ending is very uplifting. I had issues with all the stereotypical adults, save for the 2 leads in this. They bordered on cartoonish and really tested my patience. The movie is also too long. It clocks in at 2 hours and they could’ve gotten their point across in about 90 or 100 minutes tops. We get the message, let’s move on. The trailers with all the slapstick market this as a straight comedy, but there is a lot of drama and serious topics touched on. Young children will be bored at times and should stay away. More suitable for 10-12 and up. I didn’t mind sitting through this. It’s cute, has a nice message and does the job. BTW, my 12 year old liked it too. 

Rating: (**1/2)