Genres

Visitors Review

orocolorado 2012-05-15 23:32:51

Talky and choppy

I watched this movie without reading the cover... however it is surenot funny. Sean Connery slowly dies in prison...what a big laugh.The movie has that feel of trying to turn Novel into Movie....it isvery talky and has gaps in the plot. (Why would a kid with no offensesface 14 years with no parole for a nonviolent burglary? What happenedwith the payoff from the corrupt Chinese scientist?). In trying tocover the novel cover to cover it jumps from vignette to vignette in achoppy stiff manner. My impression is that it was trying to show thatnon violent "clean" burglary is better or at least no worse than legaltricks like buying condos that terminally ill cancer patients live in(something Broderick's girl friend does). OK, I can be twisted intothis noir idea.However because of the choppiness the movie doesn't flow well. Whatexactly is the purpose of the Jewish household at Passover?? I realizeit is the in-laws...but it seems like a sort of isolated island fromthe rest of story and this happens a lot. Who exactly was Connery'sgirlfriend? I guess they had to put that in because it is in Chapter 26of the novel.This is the second bad movie I have seen Connery in. This one is lightyears better than Zardoz (the other terrible Connery movie)...but I ambeginning to lose faith none the less.Rent something else.

2012-05-15 14:21:28

great cast

This review is from: Family Business (DVD) To me what a great cast wow they were all great and this is a must own dvd, i cant seem to find many good dvds from the past in stores any more only online oh well i guess blue ray is taking over, This moive is funny and i would give it 5 stars

bkoganbing 2012-05-08 04:05:56

Three Stars Make A Preposterous Story Happen

Sean Connery, Dustin Hoffman, and Matthew Broderick have talent tospare and they manage to make an impossible story jell on the screen inFamily Business.The three men play grandfather, father, and son of the McMullen clan.Connery is an unregenerate criminal who offers to apologies for thelife he's led. Hoffman is someone who went into that life during hisyouth due to Dad's influence, but he leaves that life and now works inthe wholesale meat business which he hates, but more than pays therent.Matthew Broderick is his son who absolutely idolizes his grandfather.He's middle class and a Westinghouse scholar to boot, but lives for histime with his grandfather and the criminal tales he tells of his past.Broderick's life as a Westinghouse scholar is about to intersect withConnery's habitual criminal background when Broderick's professor, B.D.Wong offers him a scam. He's to break in to a laboratory in NassauCounty and steal the results of his research for a million dollars.Hoffman also goes along for the ride, mainly he says to watch out forhis son.These three have tremendous chemistry together and it is what makesthis story float. Especially Connery because you have to believe in hischaracter in order to enjoy the film.Family Business is one of those movies that after I come away from it Isay this is completely ridiculous. Yet when you watch you feel guiltyenjoying it so much.Sidney Lumet did a wonderful job showing the background of the Hell'sKitchen area where Connery resides. I recognize a whole lot of theneighborhood. Interesting that this area a decade later served as thebackground for the much more serious film Sleepers.Look also for a good performance by Rosanna DeSoto as wife and motherto Hoffman and Broderick. What she puts up with in that family.

ananumb 2012-05-07 16:20:14

Touching

I found this movie a touching treatment of a grandson's love for hisgrandfather and the bonding experience they have together before lifetakes its toll. Although it is a relatively light movie, with a simplestraight-forward plot that is easy to follow, I found many unspokenemotional cues. The importance of family and not betraying their trustis addressed, as well as family over-protection and over-care whichdoesn't always work or enhance the family relationship. The grandson'slove and admiration of his grandfather's simple realistic 'fun'approach to life is interesting, although the subject the brings thefamily together might be immoral. The grandson's belief of not rattingout family and his grandfather's eventual taking of the hit show theimportance of family, and the consequences of having them.I enjoyed itthoroughly and would recommend it as a soft gentle treatment

Rodrigo Amaro 2012-05-01 16:46:37

Expectations: Great. Reality: A little bit disappointing

Looking back now, we can say that this is the kind of films Hollywoodshould be doing now. Put together three big stars from differentgenerations and make a good film about a good subject; in the case of"Family Business" about a family united in criminal activities. Amaterial like this could rescue the career of many veterans actors.In 1989, having Sean Connery (after Oscar for "The Untouchables"),Dustin Hoffman (right away for his Oscar in "Rain Man") and MatthewBroderick (still on the wave from hits like "Biloxi Blues" and "FerrisBueller Day Off") as the cast from this film directed by Sidney Lumetwas solid gold, a real bait to attract audiences, and even know whenyou hear that those talents were together in a picture you rush away tosee it. This are the expectations but expectations always differ fromreality. Given a better script these could be a better picture than itis, more memorable."Family Business" tells the story of three generations of a problematicJewish family involved with robberies. It starts when the brightcollege student Broderick (Hoffman's son and Connery's grandson here)decides to get involved in a sure thing business related to robbing alaboratory and he calls for his family to help with. But all of thistriggers a crisis among father and son and grandfather, when Hoffman'scharacters wants at all costs protect his son for doing this, hedoesn't want his son to get caught and arrested while Connery thinksthey must do it, because nothing can go wrong. From here, the movie ismore about family issues than dangerous and illegal activities. It lacks substance to this being a great film, it lacks something tomake us involved with their problems. The main problem was the thatthere were times when the film required of its viewers a certainseriousness but when we knew this was also a comedy. It gets strandedin never being really funny and never being awfully dramatic as somesituations tend do be. The good news about this project is that SeanConnery has an incredible timing for comedy, his punchlines wereamazingly funny, not to mention that his character is very problematicyet very amusing. His best scenes are when he defends himself on courtfor beating a policeman and when he beats another prisoner during theirtransfer, to what the guard asks what happened and the other prisonersreply "He felt!" A path should be decided by the writers in what type of film they werelooking for, a goofy comedy or a powerful drama about family relations,and that was a deficiency that almost ruined the film for me. Regardingthe most awaited moment of this, the robbery was pretty good, funny andtense at the same time but the whole situation involving Broderick'sarrest was poorly made, unconvincing that he couldn't run away andcross the street to his family car or run to any other direction whenit was clearly enough that the police wasn't so close to him, thatscene is bizarre. One final complaint: the soundtrack was totally wrongfor this film, hauntingly dramatic.What makes me like of this film, except the reunion of stars involvedeven though they're not at their best and they are somewhat mediocre,is its way of showing us the importance of family and caring about themwhether through good times or bad times. When it comes down to presenthow Hoffman suffers for his son, wants the best for him, is when themovie really hits the target, family is family and business arebusiness and sometimes they should not be mixed, otherwise is problemsto both sides. And that's the ruin for everyone involved.A good film from the 1980's, deeply flawed but completely watchable.I'm positive that Lumet has better than this. 6/10

2012-05-01 05:06:31

Realistically tough and heart wrenching

This review is from: Family Business (DVD) There are times in life when we do the best we can to save others from danger and other times we love people so much we are blinded to deception and to their own greed. If you have ever fallen into one of these groups and enjoy stories about the mafia or gangs, you'll love this brilliantly performed movie!

fung0 2012-04-30 09:18:52

Nasty, but brilliant

When I see this film reviewed, over and over, as a comedy, I don't knowwhether to laugh or to cry. This is one of the most brutally cynical,agonizingly tragic films I've ever seen - the story of a family caughtup in the romance of crime, trying to help at least the youngestgeneration escape its inevitable fate.Perhaps it helps to know Sidney Lumet's other work, especially hisprevious bitterly brilliant collaborations with Sean Connery: The Hill,and The Offense. Family Business is a similarly scathing attack onpreconceptions. Lumet takes what looks like a tame little 'heistcomedy' scenario and shows just how poisonously evil it really is. Hegives us the charming scoundrel (Connery), and shows how destructivehis devil-may-care attitude can be.One might as well criticize Othello or Macbeth for having no laughs.This film is, in fact, Shakespearian in its tragic dimensions. Connerystarts out with the classic Tragic Flaw, and must pay for it in theend. (There is a heroic dimension in his ultimate realization, atleast.)I can easily understand that many people won't enjoy this film. It's anasty, venomous, painful piece of work. But it's also quite brilliant.If you want easy answers, by all means, rent Ocean's Eleven. But ifyou're up for a challenge, don't overlook Family Business.

2012-04-30 06:54:18

Mega Stars Break and Enter For Mega Bucks!

This review refers to the DVD edition(Columbia/Tri-Star) of "Family Business"...Three generations of the McMullen men are going to go into a business venture together. The men; Sean Connery as Grandpa Jessie, who is an aging thief, and is real good at it. Vito, Jessie's son, is Dustin Hoffman. He's been around Jessie and his capers long enough to learn his lessons. Go into a legitimate business and play it safe. It is Matthew Broderick who completes this awesome trio of talent as Adam, the youngest of the McMullens. Brillant mind, Westinghouse scholar, Vito knows his son will really make something of himself. So when itis Adam who comes to the two elders with the business venture; a plan to make a million dollars, by doing a little breaking and entering job, they are taken aback, but not backing out!Jessie jumps at the chance to feel the thrill of the take once more. Vito is not quite for it, but he goes along anyway, you know... to watch out for his son(yeah right!). Watching these three mega stars, preparing for the big heist is a fun view, with some great dialouge. They have a high time filling their Kmart carts with all the tools of the trade, as Broderick pipes in "do ya think this is really necessary, I mean I do have a key card to get in?". They don their burgler outfits, each father, helping their son, get the fit just right. Connery to Hoffman: "This is why I hated those snow suits!" They go over the plan. In and out, no problems. It's fail-safe!...Or is it?"Family Business" combines a fun story of the hesit, with a bit of a sentimental look at father and son relationships, along with the family bonding and traditions. The story takes the family a little further, giving each generation a different cultural take. Jessie is as Irish as they come. His wife, Vito's mother was Italian. Vito 's wife is Jewish, and Adam carries a bit of each in his genes., and carries them well. He always seem to know just the right thing to say to each generation to smooth things over.It's a fun ride with these wonderful stars altogether in one film. One that will have you smiling, and rooting for them, even though they are up to no good. It is directed by the great Sidney Lumet, who brings us some wonderful shots of New York along the way. If you are a fan of any of these three stars, and have missed this fabulous feature, it's a must see. The DVD has a very good picture in widescreen with excellent sound Dolby Surround(2-channel). There are subtitles in English and French, and aside from some theatrical trailers, there are no bonus features.What a family!...Connery, Hoffman, and Broderick...it's a fail- safe plan!....enjoy...Lauriealso recommended:Man With One Red Shoe [VHS]DiamondsWinter Kills

aramo1 2012-04-28 05:51:09

Disappointing and confusing.

Based on R1 DVD 114 min.Family Business starts out well with all three stars establishingthemselvesfirmly and with conviction. Alas a little past the half way mark themovieloses focus. Important evidence relating to the crime is ignored, thingshappen for no apparent reason and things that should happen do not. Themovie then limps to an unsatisfying conclusion.5/10 catch it on TV.

Phil 2012-04-27 22:17:00

Big let down

They build up to think they need alot of equipment to pull off the heist by filling up 3 shopping cards at the hardware store and then they take down all of 1 security guard and go down 1 hallway and thats it???? All they steal are some vials and a log book which makes no sense as to why he would have left it behind after he had it in his hands looking at it. Then its revealed to be tap water by the guy in the car, they say it one time in the movie and never go on with it so what was the point of bringing it up??? They should have went on with the story trying to prove that the vials were stolen earlier and all they stole was tap water so Jesse shouldnt be in Jail but no they have Jesse die and end it and make the movie completely worthless story wise.

Alexander Rowe 2012-04-25 03:46:33

It is not a comedy, it is not drama and is not really intresting.

The actors and the characters they play are well developed, but the film'sdirection lacks any emotion. While one watches the film it is hard not to wishfor these intresting characters to actually do something.

2012-04-24 19:39:25

Family Business DVD

This review is from: Family Business (DVD) I own this movie and have enjoyed watching it many time and sharing it with my friends & relatives. If you'd like to see another side of Sean Connery, and enjoy the work of the versatile Dustin Hoffman and Matthew Broderick, then you'll like this combination of drama mixed with a little light humor. This is a good one !

bob the moo 2012-04-22 13:07:47

Reasonable little drama if not totally convincing

Jessie McMullen is a career thief. His son Vito runs a meat processingplant but has criminal links but has made sure that his son, Adam, has hadthe best education and not turned to the life of his father andgrandfather.However this privilege has caused a rift between Adam and Vito and hasdrawn Adam to Jessie. When Adam brings Jessie in on a job, Vitoreluctantlyjoins in as his only way of protecting Adam. However when Adam isarrestedit causes conflict between the three.It is clear that the cast is the major draw for this drama, that is verytalky but still reasonably effective drama that relies more ongenerationaltensions than crime hi-jinks. The film sees a job planned and executedmidway in the film, with the second half being the fallout for the failureof the job. The build up is pretty good and the second half just aboutmanages to be involving even if it more or less talks itself todeath.The director keeps it very heavy, but could really have done withdevelopingthe characters in a more entertaining manner, this would have made theheavier emotional conclusion a sweeter pill to swallow. As it is it isstill pretty enjoyable as a drama and the cast do well to deliver theratherweighty material. Connery and Hoffman are far too close in age to playfather and son and, even with makeup to make Hoffman look younger, itdoesn't really work. However both are alright in their roles and carrythematerial. Broderick makes up a talented trio that make the film worthseeing. They interact really well and rise above the material.Overall this is a heavy but enjoyable drama. The material isn't great andit could have done with being a bit shorter or a bit lighter on it's feet.As it is the drama doesn't totally work as emotions aren't totally allowedto let rip until the end, but which time things are a little slow to bereally gripping.

2012-04-22 04:58:43

Great Acting, Great Story, Great Actors, Great Film

You can pick this movie up for a song these days and given that it is over 16 years old now if you haven't seen it yet add this one to your library.If you want a good drama about a multi-generational dysfunctional family then this movie is for you.Just buy it, watch it, again and again!

2012-04-19 17:04:16

Strong story with memorable performances...

Complex study of the dynamic effects of various family pressures that affect the characters...Sean Connery is excellent as the charismatic type who is irreverent, with a criminal side...Dustin Hoffman gives a very good performance as the Dad who seems to feel somewhat inadequate competing with the charisma of the Connery character...Broderick does well as the understated son, who is drawn to Connery's 'fun' rebellious personality...Terrific performances, film creates a unique atmosphere, the action sequences drive the story to a powerful ending...

2012-04-19 07:30:32

family buisiness

This review is from: Family Business (DVD) i had not seen this movie in years and i realy enjoyed seeing it again

tfrizzell 2012-04-12 05:28:48

Why?

"Family Business" looked like a sure-thing with its star-power of DustinHoffman, Sean Connery, and Matthew Broderick. However, this is a very badfilm that wants to be good but never does come together the way it should.The three aforementioned actors star as three generations of a family whogoon a big heist that goes terribly wrong. Sidney Lumet's direction isneverclear and this, more than anything else, grounds "Family Business". 2starsout of 5.

pljewkes 2012-04-11 17:16:07

Dull Day Afternoon

A really dull film with the bizarre casting of 59 year-old Sean Conneryas 52 year-old Dustin Hoffman's father. The plot involves degeneratecrook Connery trying to rope his trying-to-go-straight son into helpinghim with a robbery. It's unclear if this is a comedy as there's nary alaugh, but the light as air aura the film exudes combined with CyColeman's peppy score lead you to believe it's a farce. Hoffman'scharacter is named Vito! Matthew Broderick plays Hoffman's criminallyeager son and the woefully underutilized Rosanna DeSoto is Hoffman'swife (and Broderick's mother, though she's only 12 years older). Noneof these actor seem even remotely linked to one another much lessfamily. A real misstep from the great Sidney Lumet. The script is byVincent Patrick, whose also wrote the earlier (and much better) POPE OFGREENWICH VILLAGE.

Andrew DC 2012-04-05 18:12:37

A lot of people know nothing about movies.

How can you say it is a Disappointingly Flat Comedy. There wasabsolutely NO ATTEMPT WHAT SO EVER to make it funny. I don't think yougot the point of the movie. The storyline falls a little short, interms of action, but the actors did a great job, and most of all,Sidney Lumet's camera work and other technical things made this movie alot better than it would have been. For those of you who rate movieswithout discussing the technical point, please don't. You just makeyourselves look stupid.Sincierly, Andrew.

Adam1983 2012-04-05 06:11:46

Decent

The performances in the movie are excellent. The movies plot however lacksthe strength to keep it interesting. The heist was pathetic and the outcomewas predictable. I felt nothing after viewing this movie. I didnt thinktwice about it. In all actuality I would avoid this movie. Rent 'HEAT'instead.