An Unexpected Family (1996) (TV)

Director:

Larry Elikann

Writer (WGA):

Lee Rose (written by)

Release Date:

4 December 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

When Ruth Whitney abandons her two children with her sister Barbara is left to take care of them, at...

Plot Keywords:

Family Relationships | Child Custody | Courtroom | Redemption | Guardian

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Stockard Channing	...	Barbara Whitney
Stephen Collins	...	Sam
Christine Ebersole	...	Ruth Whitney
Noah Fleiss	...	Matt Whitney
Chelsea Russo	...	Megan Whitney
Jenny O'Hara	...	Harriet Rothman
Ken Pogue	...	Judge Whitlock
Benjamin Ratner	...	Harry Weinstock
Sarah Strange	...	Claudia
Kevin McNulty	...	Goldani
B.J. Harrison	...	Court Clerk
Fulvio Cecere	...	Detective Barry Fox
Barry W. Levy	...	Brian
Rory J. Aylward	...	Paramedic
Charles Siegel	...	Dr. Fred

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic elements, language and brief violence.

Runtime:

Brazil:92 min | Argentina:94 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Iceland:L | Netherlands:12 (video rating) | Netherlands:AL | UK:PG (video premiere) | USA:PG | Argentina:13

Company:

Universal TV

Trivia:

Barbara tells Matt and Meghan that she is nervous about them walking to school on thier own. Matt makes a comment on how she made them watch the movie Without a Trace (1983) 10 times. Stockard Channing was one of the stars of the movie.

Quotes:

Megan Whitney: Could Sam be our father?
Matt Whitney: You got a thing about pushing your luck, don't you?

Movie Connections:

Followed by An Unexpected Life (1998) (TV)

Interesting and engaging.

This could easily be perceived as just another run of the mill television film. The plot certainly does not work to its advantage, a woman fighting for custody of her niece and nephew from her erratic, unpredictable sister. Sounds so interesting doesn't it? But An Unexpected Family works. It is an engaging affair, with some great performances, and, of course, Stockard Channing. The woman can do no wrong in my eyes, and here is a starring role that's perfect for her inimitable, snappy style. I doubt anyone could have pulled off her role with such conviction as she has. It is a truly stunning performance. However, even with Channing's triumphs, An Unexpected Family is still a very good piece of work.

Barbara Whitney is an independent, working woman living in New York. One night, whilst preparing for a blind date, her impulsive sister Ruth turns up at her door, asking her to look after her two young children, Matt and Megan. Barbara refuses, not being a very maternal woman at all. Yet, on leaving her apartment, she notices the children sitting in Ruth's car, all alone, waiting for Barbara. Infuriated, Barbara looks after them, under the assumption that Ruth will be back very soon. But Ruth is getting on a plane to London with a new man, completely disregarding the children and Barbara. Shocked and afraid, Barbara slowly forms a bond with Matt and Megan, with the help of her friend, whimsical painter Sam. Although the road is bumpy, Barbara and the children begin to rebuild their lives and achieve some peace and happiness in their new situations. However, a year later, Ruth breezes back into town, demanding her children back. Barbara refuses, believing that they will not be safe with Ruth, and decides to fight for custody of Matt and Megan.

Although the story and plot do have a tendency to be a bit brisk at times, An Unexpected Family is still an entertaining film. This is definitely a performance piece, and each actor excels in their role. Stockard Channing never disappoints; she is perfect as Barbara, utterly convincing in her role as an unlikely parent. Stephen Collins turns in an interesting performance as Sam, slight yet affecting. Christine Ebersole, although her appearance is brief, is excellent as Ruth, actually provoking sympathy from a character so despicable. She gives Ruth depth, and should be applauded. Also, Noah Fleiss and Chelsea Russo rise above the usual awful child acting predicament, and give moving performances, Fleiss in particular is exceptional as Matt. But, with all this, this film will always be about Stockard Channing. Rarely does she receive a starring role, and here she proves she is one of the industry's most under-rated performers. A first-rate performance, and a very interesting film. Most definitely recommended.