Movie Description
Nicolas Cage stars as Jack Campbell, a career-driven workaholic who has everything: an exciting job, a Ferarri, a closetful of Zegna suits, and the attention of any woman he wants. His life changes when, after working a full day on Christmas Eve, he intervenes in a convenience store holdup. The apparent criminal, Cash (Cheadle), speaks to Jack in epigrams about his satisfaction with life. When Jack wakes up the next day, he's suddenly living in a New Jersey suburb, where he's married to his college sweetheart (Leoni) and is the father of two children. At first he is aghast, but Jack soon warms to his new life even though he knows that it cannot last. Unabashedly sentimental, the film is also a great comedy, as Cage gives a superb performance that makes the most of his character's obvious disgust with his suburban surroundings and even allows for a few moments of hysterics reminiscent of VAMPIRE'S KISS. Filled with great performances (notably Ms. Leoni's role as Jack's wife), inspired comedy, and a premise that suggests a slightly darker version of classics like A CHRISTMAS CAROL and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, THE FAMILY MAN is an affecting and entertaining holiday film.
| Credits | | Producer: | Alan Riche, Howard Rosenman, Marc Abraham, Tony Ludwig | | Cast: | Harve Presnell |
| Details | | Edition: | D-VHS D-Theater (High Definition Video) |
Notes
D-VHS Features:
Note: D-VHS VCR hardware required.
Bullet Case
Widescreen Anamorphic - 2.35
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English, Theatrical release: December 22, 2000.
Filmed on location in Teaneck, New Jersey and in New York City.
Nicolas Cage took on the part of Jack Campbell because he felt he needed a comedic role after a string of action films and dramas. The last comedic role he had played before THE FAMILY MAN was in 1994's TRAPPED IN PARADISE, which was also a holiday film.
Editorial Reviews
"...A truly substantial comedy....[The film] gift-wraps a dream role for its star, allowing Cage to meld his pre- and post-Oscar personae..."
Total Film - p.98 - Jamie Graham
"...Moments of veracity and humor..."
Box Office - p.63 - Christine James
"...Well-observed comic turns....Handsomely shot..."
Sight and Sound - p.41-2 - Geoffrey Macnab
"...Tea Leoni is lovable....The movie is sweet, light entertainment..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (12/22/2000)
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