The Family Man (DVD, 2001)

...Or should I say...

Take It's a Wonderful Life, bring it into the year 2000, and put in a blender on LIQUEFY. The Family Man was a wonderful movie in and of itself, but I can't get it out of my mind that there's a little bit of Wonderful Life or even A Christmas Carol creeping into the plotline.

My humble analysis

As far as acting goes, I thought the entire cast was outstanding. Cage and Leoni have great chemistry, and both can easily portray their characters in either reality. The little girl was adorable, as I have mentioned, and perhaps a star in the making. Everyone worked so well together, and it was a real delight to watch such a fabulous cast.

I think the moviemakers aimed for too stark a contrast between realities. Sure, suburban life isn't nearly as glamorous as how the Other Half lives on Wall Street... But it's not nearly as depressing as what we were shown. The way things were going, I don't think anything could've endeared me to that lifestyle if I had been Jack Campbell. At least a transition was made, but it just seemed way too much like settling. I don't think Kate appreciated being constantly reminded that Jack had settled for her by not taking that internship in London. I know I would've sent him to sleep on the couch each and every night he'd berated her.

I also completely hated the ending. There was no closure for me. I would have been much happier if we'd had an ending like The Devil's Advocate. Rewind to the moment Jack was at the airport with Kate. And start over from there, making the "right" decision to choose Kate. But I didn't make the movie, and the people who did just didn't want it to happen that way. They end the movie with uncertainty, and I can only use my imagination to fill in the blanks to my satisfaction.

Should you go see it?

Definitely. This is a really romantic movie, though, most suitable for couples who have been together for a while. I don't think this is good early-relationship material, as it raises too many questions about the direction your relationship is taking. Married couples may be annoyed at how depressing Jack's life is depicted in New Jersey, but you will become endeared as the movie goes on. This movie made me cry, so be sure to have tissues close at hand. Five thumbs up.