The most important thing you need to know about Instant Family is that it’s far better than the trailer lets on. It led me to believe this movie would be a mediocre comedy about adoption. It’s actually more of a laugh-out-loud then tear-your-heart-out-while-you’re-still-laughing kind of film.
Instant Family is based on writer-director Sean Anders’ real-life experience of adopting three children, and he takes a warts-and-all approach to his story. That might explain the PG-13 rating, which the MPAA says is for “thematic elements, sexual material, language and some drug references.” I’m guessing the “thematic elements” might be in reference to a fairly graphic discussion about “d*ck pics,” among other things.
Yes, Sean Anders depicts the challenges of raising a family, adopted or biological, with true candor and Instant Family is a better movie for it. I think most ages will appreciate and relate to this movie (despite the occasionally salty subject-matter), which is why I’m recommending it to mature 11-year-olds and up. Instant Family is not only a great flick to see with your family over the holidays, it’s also the perfect way to celebration National Adoption Month! (A)
I got to sit down with Instant Family director Sean Anders recently, to talk about his movie and the challenges of adoption. I posted that below, so please watch it and stay through the end for a featurette with Sean and his real-life family.
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