Instant Family

  • 2018


MOVIE IS comedic excellent sentimental serious
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Positive Reviews 112
Negative reviews 25
Average Rating 3.3/5
comedic excellent sentimental serious

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
3.0
Its a surprisingly winning movie, packed with just the right combination of laughs and sniffles. Damn you, Wahlberg! EW
3.1
Moners performance is surprisingly uncanny, bringing to life a volatile personality without overacting. Rogerebert
4.0
Playing Lizzy, young Moner is impressive; shes intelligent and emotionally available. Common Sense Media
3.0
To Anders credit, the doesnt pretend as though shes entirely wrong; Instant Family is no mere apologia for its directors own adoption story. Indie Wire
4.5
who take a trio of Hispanic American siblings under their untested wings, isnt a zany obnoxious head conk of a movie. Variety
2.0
Theres genuine heart and feeling scattered throughout Instant Family, enough to make one wish it would stick to a consistent tone without being repeat .. Time Out
3.0
Anders and his wife are parents to three adopted children, and theres a sense of verisimilitude and attention to detail regarding both the joys and th .. The Guardian
3.0
It doesnt look like much more than four episodes of a network sitcom bolted together, a mid film montage to George Harrisons What Is Life serving as t .. The Guardian
4.5
Its all handled well, but isnt appropriate for young kids, even if theyd be OK hearing an occasional rhymes with sit curse word.
3.1
Its a little too manipulative to be a truly honest portrayal of family.
3.0
Some will likely find that Instant Family is a little too cloying or that it doesnt go far enough in depicting the hard realities of the foster care s .. Collider
4.5
Pete doesnt want to be an old dad, so the notion of adopting a 5 year old appeals to him. ( Vulture
1.5
Even if Instant Family isnt your thing, stick around for the closing credits a fitting feel good flourish for a movie whose many shortcomings you may .. The Hollywood Reporter
4.5
Every hurt gets a balm applied real quick, the better to get to the next classic rock scored feel good montage. The New York Times
4.0
In the last few years, shes gone from Nickelodeon to big money action franchises, drama, and comedy, pulling something engaging out of the bag each ti .. IGN
3.0
Not that theres anything wrong with that, least of all at the end of awards season, when the unwary cinemagoer, freshly roiled by the fish eye absurdi .. Telegraph
4.0
A surprise of a film that will undoubtedly warm your heart. and make you want to tell your family how much they mean to you. The Young Folks
3.0
Amid the bonding shenanigans, director Sean Anders doesnt really unify tonal shifts between spiky comedy (dick pic shtick) and weapons grade schmaltz ..
4.0
While Instant Family doesnt totally break the conventions of the family comedy, it uses them to its advantage. Cinema Blend
3.5
Instant Family is feel good entertainment that has a big heart, plenty of laughs, and raises awareness about serious subject matter. Screen Rant
4.5
Instant Family has its heart in the right place within a genre that has set the bar low. The Globe And Mail
3.1
Sassy Lizzie (Isabella Moner of Sicario: Day of the Soldado and Transformers: The Last Night) doesnt scare them off. Rogers Movie Nation
3.0
It all feels like the creation of the marketing department, but Anders swears theres genuine heart here, emphasizing the importance of adoption as he .. Blu Ray
0.5
Its embarrassing to watch Tig Notaro, Octavia Spencer, Julie Hagerty, and Joan Cusack struggle to find footing in this abyss. Chicago Reader
2.5
Some of this really doesnt work, but there is a sweet core to the movies central relationships. Mark Reviews Movies
1.3
Its an incredibly thin premise thats clumsily (and infuriatingly) stretched out to fill an often interminable 118 minute (!) running time... Reel Film Reviews
4.0
The quick dialogue, the back and forth, the cussing, it just felt like a real family, and I appreciated that. You Tube
4.0
The kids are great...there are moments that are real, but meant for comedic purposes. I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised. You Tube
2.0
Even though this rare hint of conviction in a Hollywood family comedy is quite refreshing, its still accompanied by the genres usual stuffing: lame jo .. The Times
4.0
The ending is hardly revolutionary, but there are some satisfying twists along the way and a cast of characters whose fate you find yourself caring ab .. The Times
2.0
The movie has amusing moments, but they feel prepackaged with everything but a sitcom laugh track. News Review
1.5
But shes part of a package deal, and once the childless couple sets sights on pics of their adorable mugs theyre sold. Screen It
1.5
Alas, Instant Familys penchant for broad jokes and formulaic resolutions undercut any good intentions. Rolling Stone
3.0
The mix doesnt always work, but the movie is still well worth a look for the solid performances and a textured exploration of an important issue. Shadows On The Wall
1.5
Instant Family is a decent, involving, endearing story, with funny performances and heartfelt, entirely earned dramatic crescendoes. The Wrap
3.8
The chaotic mix is a pretty apt reflection of Instant Familys emotionally jarring subject matter, though the balance of dramatic story vs. be ready fo .. Deseret News (Salt Lake Ci ..
2.5
But a broad studio comedy doesnt allow for a lot of nuance or the space to unpack the intricacies of interracial adoption. Az Central
2.0
A kindhearted but thoughtless film that contains some troubling metaphors and doubles as a huge PR stunt for National CASA, an organization that would .. Mountain X
3.0
The main casualty of this is the normally excellent Tom Hollander, who doesnt do anything technically wrong as Colvins long suffering London based bos .. Daily Mail
2.0
Anders attempts to distil the myriad complexities of adoption into a two hour slab of entertainment. Whether thats a worthy objective or not, its not .. Daily Mail
3.0
It comes complete with a manipulative but deserved finale that gives the tear ducts a thorough workout. Flim List
4.5
Well, it also doesnt hurt when your co star is Rose Byrne, who possesses a rare sort of effortless likability that elevates virtually everything shes .. Film Inquiry
3.0
This time after an awkward start hes crafted a poignant screenplay, co writing with John Morris. Susang Ranger
3.1
Add up the ingredients and you get a mostly enjoyable dog eared formula for escapist entertainment without critical perception. Observer
3.0
Drifting between lighthearted laughs and a respectable amount of serious themes, Instant Family is genuinely moving Flickering Myth
3.5
Instant Family is a sales pitch and lays it on pretty thick. Unlike your Hallmark movies, Anders and Morris attempt to give you the whole picture, war .. Flim Threet
3.0
Ellie has a difficult time relating teenagers arent designed to be easy, theyre growing up. Boston Herald
3.0
Wahlberg and Byrne make for agreeable comic to and fro hes doing his shouty thing, shes doing frazzled while Moner does most of the melodramatic heavy .. The Irish Times
4.5
...both Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne are at the top of their games, using their comedic licks without going over the line into slapstick or parody. Tony Medley
3.8
This is a marvelously enchanting drama overflowing in good vibes and even better intentions, all of it coming from a place of a truthful authenticity .. Movie Freak
3.0
But despite a climax that is so touchy feely it defies reason if The Skeleton Twins redeemed Starships Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now from the depths of t .. Detroit News
1.3
The films premise, inspired by co writer/director Sean Anders own family life as a husband and father, isnt a bad one for an innocuous family comedy w .. Groucho Reviews
3.8
After a predictable honeymoon phase, some challenges present themselves. Aisle Seat
3.0
But, heres the thing: If youre going to tackle serious subject matter, maybe dont run it through tacky fluff that amounts to a fleeting sugar high. Consequence Of Sound
4.0
Instant Family isnt just heartening, it is also funny and engaging throughout, something I for one didnt expect to be writing if Im being completely h .. Hey U Guys
3.0
I really wasnt expecting much from Instant Family. Im glad I was wrong. Now Toronto
1.5
Instant Family is a semi competent comedy, a solid tearjerker, and an exceptional tour through the foster parenting process. Film School Rejects
4.4
The acting on its own is a gale storm worth of fresh air, with Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne hitting abrasive and caring with equal vigour. Film Ink
4.5
Director Sean Anders...manages to maintain an upbeat tone without wholly glossing over some tricky, painful topics. The Age
3.0
The idea, no doubt, is to keep multiplex viewers entertained even as they ponder serious issues, and it works theres a story doing the rounds that vie .. Games Radar
4.0
Paramount The title Instant Family isnt quite right; things arent instantly magical for Pete and Ellie or their kids. Screen Crush
2.0
Sean Anders film begins bearably; becomes Hollywoodish; ends up as diabetes grade comedy schmaltz. Ft
4.0
Hilary A White The Kid Who Would Be King Cert: PG; Now showing The legend of King Arthur gets a new, suburban, child centred outing this midterm break .. Independent Ie
4.0
Now, this doesnt exactly sound like a recipe for a decent, hard working dramedy. Independent Ie
4.0
Instant Family truly has got disposable dross written all over it. Stuff
2.0
That means that theres never enough weight to the drama, especially when the familys hard won harmony is challenged in the third act. Film Racket
3.5
Yet unlike Anders previous films (Daddy Day Care), Instant Family has genuine emotions beneath its shallow family comedy exterior. Matts Movie Reviews
2.5
Alas, despite winning performances from the adults and the young ones and yes, some lump in the throat moments Instant Family is a disappointing and u .. Chicago Sun Times
3.5
Instant Family shows how love and nurturing transforms childrens lives. Movie Web
4.8
If a trailer doesnt do an excellent job of selling a movie or starting a conversation, a lot of casual moviegoers probably wont end up seeing it unles .. We Live Entertainment
4.5
Instant Family is much more heartfelt and heartwarming than the trailers would lead you to believe. We Live Entertainment
2.5
The Foster Care messaging threatens to turn this affable family comedy into an infommerial at times ,but some genuine laughs, Mark Wahlberg and Rose B .. Dead Line
4.5
While this is a comedy, the best joke doesnt even come from the mouths of Wahlberg or Byrne. Solzy At The Movies
3.8
While its being an amiable comedy, its preparing to get you right in the feels by the end. Awards Circuit
2.0
Joe Cornish makes a belated and welcome return to directing with The Kid Who Would Be King, an imaginative British childrens film that offers a fresh .. Scots Man
3.0
Instant Family balances its sitcom tone with some real, unexpected heart. Film Avclub
4.5
Although Instant Family takes more than an instant to rev up the funny, the film crescendos well, ultimately maximizing the humor, reality and drama t .. Post Gazette
3.0
With Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrnes comedic chemistry leading the way, Family finds its stride early and avoids any major stumbles making it a nice opt .. Bowling Green Daily News
1.5
Its no fun picking on a movie that was obviously made for so many good reasons. But its even less fun sitting through it. Film Journal International ..
3.5
Unlike remodeling a house, kids come with emotional and physical responsibility. Black Girl Nerds
3.0
Instant Family has the ability to foster a contact high in its viewers, which is what the medium has always been about. National Post
1.5
You want to raise awareness about children in foster care Then dont make offensively shallow jokes about it and expect audiences to eat it up for sent .. Rendy Reviews
3.8
Quite regularly, the film shifts from more dramatic and tense moments to ones of comedy and charm, which again isnt as jarring as you might think beca .. Third Coast Review
4.5
Instant Family operates in a level of self awareness by discussing the white savior narrative and looking some of its challenges in the eye. Blacknerd Problems
4.0
The cinematography is casually elegant, its pace is slow moving, and its plot has a deep touch of humanity. The New Paper
3.0
Thankfully, their version of the Colin Thieles 1964 book about the relationship between a pelican and the son of a beach dwelling hermit not only comp .. Tiny Url
2.0
This story could have been cloying or it could have been soap opera. But Anders and his cast make it into a genuinely heartwarming experience. Movie Mom
4.0
Theyre in the construction business of flipping houses; theyre professional fixer uppers. Theepoch Times
4.4
How could any viewers, regardless of whether they are adopted, not embrace the most heartwarming (so far) film of the year Qc Times
3.8
Suffice it to say that the family honeymoon doesnt last for long. Datebook Sfchronicle
3.8
Jordan again excels as Adonis Creed, son of legendary boxer Apollo Creed, and while Stallone isnt given quite as much to do here, hes still wonderful .. Film Frenzy
3.8
RELATED: Why Conservatives Should Support Wahlbergs Patriots Day Instant Family doesnt sugar coat the hard truths behind adopting foster children. Hollywood Into To
3.8
This is a pure feel gooder that not only has its heart in the right place, but its brains as well. And its funny. Us Magazine
3.1
While basking in the sentimental nuttiness Instant Family finds its stride despite the occasional sitcom ish amusement. Screen Anarchy
3.0
Unlike other crowded family pictures (say Cheaper by the Dozen or Yours, Mine and Ours) Family doesnt feel so mean spirited. The Only Critic
3.0
The sort of slightly cheesy comedic drama you could really hate yourself in the morning for enjoying the night before, this is a movie where no matter .. Adelaide Review
3.0
Funny and relatable.... The happy tears and good feelings it produces are well earned, not forced. Crooked Marquee
3.0
Anders autobiographical passion project gives them film a deeply intimate feel, and its inspiring in its sincerity. Screen Zealots
4.5
Instant Family is a charming film that has a heartfelt message. What a great combination. Kdhx
2.5
The comic humor and calculated sentimentality never make it across the screen.
4.0
Its the kind of thing that looks like its going to be handled with the emotional subtlety of a hammer, and by all rights thats what it should be. Flixist
3.5
The script also offers above average dialogue making for some funny scenarios and for some truly heartwarming moments. FlickDirect
3.8
Instant Family deserves all the praise in the world for taking a premise that couldve been insulting, problematic, or saccharine in the wrong hands an .. The Gate
4.0
Thanks to strong performances, an incisive script and smart direction, Instant Family is a sweet, touching and endearing movie. Entertainment Ie
3.0
But thats Instant Family, a film that comes with all its flaws easy to see and just as easy to forgive. Herald Scotland
4.5
In a funny, entertaining and heartwarming package, thats something everyone can enjoy together when theyre home for the holidays. Monsters And Critics
3.0
The biggest shock is that it isnt as saccharine as it soundsat least not quite. Film Monthly
1.5
With a perplexing tale and some very odd creative choices, its so easy to laugh at The Snowman, but this kind of tale shouldnt inspire laughter. Google
4.5
What distinguishes Sean Anderss film is the use of irony, slapstick and the subversion of any monotone note in treating a very sensitive subject. La Nación (Argentina)
4.0
Instant Family isnt new or ground breaking, it remains tasteful even during the wackier moments, but sometimes its just enjoyable to watch a pleasant .. What I Watched Tonight
5.0
This superb balance between drama and humor in the film is present from start to finish. Just as a situation pulls on your heartstrings and youre abou .. Daily Journal
3.0
The Daddys Home star works a familiar groove in another crowd pleasing US family comedy. Metro News
1.5
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Octavia Spencer, Isabela Moner, Tig Notaro. Hot Press
3.0
Instant Family is a fun and entertaining movie that seeks nothing more than to make you spend a pleasant moment. Konexión
3.0
Instant Family manages to balance its two types of comedy that are, in theory, contradicting. Fotogramas
3.5
Instant Family doesnt have any creative filmmaking or elaborate comedic set pieces. idobi.com
3.0
Beyond some low blows on its last part, the result is a correct exposure of the genre of laughter.
2.0
Lacking either emotion or laughs, Instant Family feels more like a parenting manual than a family comedy. High Def Digest
4.0
Wahlbergs the most likeable hes been in a long while, with his quick fire dialogue delivery helping lead to some fine comic beats. VultureHound
4.0
Its a little caught between its comedic selling point and the schmaltz of its premise. VultureHound
3.0
The film has depth in casting that goes well beyond most such films. Put it all together and this is a family film that adults can enjoy as well, a fi .. Pasadena Weekly
4.0
While there is drama, the movie doesnt feel like its being too over the top.
4.0
I laughed, I cried and I hereby give this movie a joyous and worthy four stars. Newshub (NZ)
4.5
There is no shortage of trouble, violence and humiliation awaiting them and twists and a growing sense of love and acceptance, on both sides. This is .. What She Said Radio
4.0
A predictable but surprisingly entertaining feel good flick that doesnt shy away from the reality of the foster care programs in this nation and how m .. Kxl
3.0
This leaves the Wagners with the unappealing choice of either barking ineffectual commands or cursing themselves for the tsunami theyve unleashed.
4.5
I dont know how this happened, but...INSTANT FAMILY is good. Its honest, its funny, and it resists the temptation to drown the proceedings in sentimen .. Comicsverse
3.0
Heartwarming and amusing without being overly sentimental, Instant Family is worth bonding over.
3.0
The chemistry between Mark Whalberg and Rose Byrne is highly praiseworthy. La Nación (Costa Rica)
3.5
This is far less of an exaggerated comedy than it appears, and I dare say youll be well rewarded with genuine family entertainment that doesnt talk do .. Brisbanista
3.0
Sometimes, this is an easy pneumonic used to gloss over a writers own imaginative failures.
3.0
The film does touch on the difficult, testing and heart breaking moments of having an instant family Movies 4 Kids
3.8
An uplifting adventure apt to lead to an uptick in applications for adoptions Kam Williams
3.5
Anders isnt afraid to showcase the negative attitudes adoptive parents can experience when going through the process.
1.5
Many of the storys serious aspects are glossed over, and what should be a dramatic moment is reduced to slapstick. The Sun Daily (Malaysia)
4.0
The casting could not be better, and the story will warm even the Grinchs heart. This one is in for the long run and should keep audiences happy until .. Jackiek Cooper
3.5
This movie isnt afraid to tease the real possibility that this family experiment will end badly for everyone. Isolated Nation
2.0
Too infantile for adults, too adult for infants, Instant Family is an unfunny, cynical, annoying and incredibly misjudged family comedy that not even .. The AU Review
2.0
As they slowly bond, theres a tiresome parade of wacky in laws, kindly social workers and sleazy janitors, as its all seen from the adults point of vi .. The Sunday People
3.0
For the most part, Anders does a fairly good job tugging at the heartstrings while trying to navigate a complicated topic... The News International (Pa ..
3.1
Instant Family has more heart than laughs, but enough of the former to squeak by. Philly
5.0
Wahlberg and Byrne have great chemistry and excellent comedic timing. Blog Franciscan Media



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