Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Nicolas Cage | ... | Jack Campbell | |
Téa Leoni | ... | Kate Reynolds | |
Don Cheadle | ... | Cash | |
Jeremy Piven | ... | Arnie | |
Saul Rubinek | ... | Alan Mintz | |
Josef Sommer | ... | Peter Lassiter | |
Makenzie Vega | ... | Annie Campbell | |
![]() |
Jake Milkovich | ... | Josh Campbell |
![]() |
Ryan Milkovich | ... | Josh Campbell |
Lisa Thornhill | ... | Evelyn Thompson | |
Harve Presnell | ... | Big Ed | |
Mary Beth Hurt | ... | Adelle | |
Amber Valletta | ... | Paula | |
Francine York | ... | Lorraine | |
Ruth Williamson | ... | Betty Peterson |
A modern-day Frank Capra story. Jack Campbell, a successful and talented businessman, is happily living his single life. He has everything, or so he thinks. One day he wakes up in a new life where he didn't leave his college girlfriend for a London trip. He's married to Kate, lives in Jersey and has two kids. He, of course, desperately wants his life back for which he has worked 13 years for. He's president of P. K. Lassiter Investment House and not a tire salesman at Big Ed's. He drives a Ferrari and not a mini-van that never starts. And most importantly he doesn't wake up in the morning with kids jumping on the bed. After a bad start, day by day he's more confident in his new life and starts to see what he's been missing. Turns out money's good to have but that's not everything. Written by <speedy33417@yahoo.com>
I love this move so much that it's not easy for me write an objective review. So I'll write a subjective one. A sort of a panegyric.
I've seen this movie a couple of times. The last time I watched it was with a soon-to-get-married friend. I insisted on watching it. He was later thankful for it. I really believe this movie can improve your relationship with a romantic partner.
I don't think anyone could've played Jack Campbell better than Nicolas Cage. He appeared funny to me even when that clearly wasn't his aim. The chemistry between Lea Leoni and Nicolas is amazing. It's as if this movie was based on their actual relationship. Jeremy Piven has done a great job playing Arnie - the buddy guy! The Family man is one of the rare movies which highlight the not-so-nice side of success and being on top in contrast to happiness and fulfillment family brings.
Writers David Weissman and David Diamond didn't leave anything out when it comes to portraying the world in which parents live. How do you raise your kids, do a full time job, maintain relationship with friends, do household business, every night take your dog for walk, and, most importantly, build a great relationship with your spouse? Wouldn't all that business take away the time necessary to build THE career and life's comfort? We might think we don't need all of the above.
And that's exactly what Jack Campbell had thought as well.