After a significant hiatus of nearly two decades, director Richard LaGravenes makes a captivating return to the romance genre with his latest film, ‘A Family Affair,’ now available on Netflix. The film, penned by the talented Carrie Solomon, is set in Hollywood’s glitzy and glam-filled world. It weaves a compelling narrative around the life of a young woman named Zara (Joey Ford), who serves as the assistant to Chris Cole (Zac Efron), one of the world’s most renowned movie stars. As their lives intertwine unexpectedly, the story unfolds with a delightful mix of humor and heartwarming moments.
The movie introduces us to Zara and Chris and their business relationship. One of the first things that caught me off guard with the film was the characterization of Chris Cole. While Efron could have easily turned the character into a tool, he is portrayed as having likable qualities but is vastly aware of his celebrity. The script wisely plays on Efron’s movie star charm, so it comes across as organic when the meet cute happens between Brooke and Chris. While Kidman could do a role like this in her sleep it’s always good to see her on screen.
Kidman and Efron, who shared the screen previously in 2012’s “The Paperboy,” erase the conversational jellyfish scene in that film from my mental Rolodex with thin the first ten minutes we see them together. While their May-December
romance could have taken a ton of different angles, the script navigates the complexities of their relationships. They are forced to confront their insecurities and desires, leading to moments of both laughter and introspection. Joey King also gives off enough moxie for audiences to like her character. One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its well-developed characters, each bringing a unique perspective to the story. From Zara, a young woman juggling her personal and professional life, to her mother, who unexpectedly get her groove back, to the charismatic movie star boss wrestling with his vulnerabilities, the characters are relatable and engaging, drawing viewers into their world.
Sadly, “A Family Affair” can’t transfer these elements to the rest of the cast. The usually reliable Kathy Bates portrays herself as a caricature, and the cougar lines she uses to omit laughs concerning her attraction to Efron’s character fall flat. Concurrently rising comedic talents Sherry Cola and Liza Koshy aren’t given any witty dialogue to showcase their sharp comedic timing. The film doesn’t offer too many laughs, and I didn’t chuckle until Efron’s last line in the movie.
Nevertheless, from the strength of the leads, “A Family Overall, “is a charming one-time and feel-good film that celebrates the complexities of love and relationships.
Final Grade: B-
“A Family Affair” is available to stream tomorrow at www.netflix.com/afamilyaffair
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.