Posted: 12/26/2000

The Family Man

(2000)

by Hank Yuloff

Cage gets a second chance at the life he turned down in this terrific holiday movie.

In a recent radio poll, respondents were asked “If the movie It’s a Wonderful Life were to be remade, who would you most like to see in the role of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart’s character)?” An overwhelming number said Nichoas Cage.

It would appear that those people should all go to see The Family Man because it is a wonderful retelling of that classic story, mixed in with quite a few time change movies (Mr. Destiny, Back to the Future, Sliding Doors, Ground Hog Day) where the lead character gets to see a glimpse of what life might have been if they had taken a different path in life.

Such is the case for Jack Campbell (Cage) who, on Christmas Eve, is visited by what we are led to believe is a messenger of those who watch over us (Don Cheadle—Traffic), and who gives him such a glimpse.

Gone is Campbell’s current life as the president of an arbitrage company on Wall Street. The glamorous 50th story apartment in Manhattan. A Ferrari. Lots of available women. Arrived is the path he might have taken: married to his college soul mate. Working for his father-in-law’s tire store. Living in New Jersey with two kids.

The Family Man takes us through the change of a man who comes to love a life that is nowhere near as glamorous, but ultimately more fulfilling. This only makes sense if you had a college soul mate. I, for one, am glad I did not take that road because I understand she (no names, we live in a litiginous society) has become a total bitch. So, assuming there is a lost love you wish you could go back to, The Family Man is for you. Or if you want to see a wonderful story, The Family Man is for you. Or if you like Nicolas Cage, The Family Man is for you. Or if you would like to stare at Tea Leoni for a couple of hours, The Family Man is for you. Or if you like to see a well shot movie, The Family Man is for you.

A word about lighting. The look of a film is the collaboration of the director, the cinematographer, the set designer, lighting director and any number of other production folk. For outstanding work on The Family Man, I would like to pass on a sincere BRAVO! This movie didn’t call for sweeping, grand scenic views. It called for many up-close and sensitive views of our characters. For this element alone, the film is truly wonderful to watch.

I have only one complaint about this movie. When Cage takes on the role of family man, his daughter seems to know that he is not her dad. This was never explained and leaves one gaping, USS Cole-sized hole in the plot. Here’s one big “HUH?” for director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour).

In spite of this minor detail, go see this one. If you don’t, you will miss one of the most wonderful stories of the year.

Hank Yuloff is an entertainment industry entrepreneur living in Hollywood.

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