Review - Matt Mungle
*In select theaters including the Angelika Dallas on May 13th*
Synopsis: A brother and sister return to their family home in search of their world famous parents who have disappeared.
Review: THE FAMILY FANG is a quirky comedy that aspires, even from the look of the poster, to be a Wes Anderson-esque piece. Those are lofty goals for sure and in no way would I compare the two. That said this one has elements of grandness which is birthed from a solid, adapted screenplay. If you like odd ball characters this one has them for sure.
Annie (Nicole Kidman) and Baxter (Jason Bateman) Fang are adult siblings trying to escape the shadow of their adventurous and avant-garde, film making parents (Christopher Walken/Maryann Plunkett). They were raised in a world of experimental art and the legacy is hard to escape. Annie is an actress in her own right and Baxter is just trying to find his path in life. When the parents disappear Annie and Baxter have to wonder if this is just another of their elaborate plots to create art or if they are truly in trouble. This mystery is where the fun begins.
Some of the best moments in the film are in the flashback segments when we get a glimpse into the eclectic world in which Annie and Baxter grew up. They were literally thrown into situations and filmed for the benefit of art. Their parents loved to capture the real human emotion of those around them who are not in on the bit. Again these scenes are the most fun to watch. It makes you wonder if having parents like that would be the greatest thing in the world or the worst.
The cast is fabulous and perfectly chosen. Bateman is always great at playing the abused victim trying to navigate a world set against him. Kidman is smart and can turn from flirtatious to spastic on a dime. Together they create believable fictional siblings and ones that mimic their younger counterparts.
THE FAMILY FANG is rated R for some language. It is an adult comedy but nothing about is is crude or overtly offensive. Art house fil lovers and fans of the offbeat will love this one. I give it 3.5 out of 5 potato guns. Memorable story and cast.
