The Family Man - A Movie Review

The biggest part of judging a character is knowing yourself.

The Family Man is a 2000 film. Jack Campbell is a successful investment banker who wakes up in an alternate reality where he is married to his college girlfriend and raising a family. Jack must navigate this ‘glimpse’ to understand what truly matters.

Found in the museum of underrated holiday gems, this profound film has been deeply overlooked. The Family Man is reminiscent of the classic 1946 film, It’s a Wonderful Life. The film instituted clever storytelling and a heartwarming message. Nobody ever knows what life has in store, which is why we should be grateful for what we have.

Jack Campbell is a Scrooge who undergoes a time travel rejuvenation. Nicolas Cage has a strong performance doing a great job of peeling away the character’s emotional layers. George Clooney and John Travolta were in talks for the role, but Cage turned out to be the best choice. Although it takes time to adjust to this glimpse of life, Jack makes a genuine transition from a career-driven bachelor to a family man.

Tea Leoni has to be one of the most underrated actresses. She is the highlight performer as Kate, taking an average mom role and turning it into something more. I love her energy. She delivers a moving monologue about her love for Jack. Cage and Leoni build romantic chemistry, whether bantering or smearing chocolate cake on each other's faces.

A good supporting cast makes up The Family Man. I have only seen Don Cheadle in one other film which was Volcano (1997). Cheadle plays Cash, the mysterious Charles Dickens who assigns certain people their own Christmas Carol stories. He only has three appearances and he should have had one more scene in the climax.

Child actress Makenzie Vega is wonderful as Jack’s young daughter, Annie. She is smart beyond her years, knowing that Jack is a different version of her father. It was funny when she asked if he was an alien.

More credits include Jeremy Piven, Lisa Thornhill, Saul Rubinek, Mary Beth Hurt, and Kate Walsh. This film is a good example of how to make small roles stand out. For example, Kate’s assistant (Nina Barry) has one minute of screen time in the climax, but Barry’s annoyed interpretation builds depth.

Another example is Jack’s friend who warns him about having an affair. It’s refreshing to see a portrayal of a supportive friend who encourages the protagonist to protect his loyalty. This theme also plays into what The Family Man is about. Don’t erase the life you have.

The Family Man is all about the ‘what’ if.’ That’s how most stories begin. What if you lived a completely different life from your own life now? Brett Ratner directed a heartfelt story and tossed in cute moments. Upon being asked why the film was set during the holidays, it was the best time to have Jack reflect on his life. The holiday theme gives it more of an impact.

I have mixed opinions about the ending. It felt rushed. Then again, nobody knows what happens in life. Audiences can interpret the story how they want.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its message. Nobody ever knows what’s going to happen in life. There are so many pathways, but evidently, there’s one. Life throws surprises and what you should never do is erase the life you have.

The Family Man is an overlooked holiday film. Movies like these deserve more recognition. Currently, it’s being adapted into a stage musical which I’d like to see.