The Family Plan Movie Review 2023

The Family Plan Movie Review 2023:

Mark Wahlberg, known for his adeptness in both comedy and action, seems a fitting choice for a film blending espionage with suburban family dynamics, reminiscent of classics like “True Lies” or the underrated gem “Nobody.” There’s a captivating allure in witnessing an ordinary family man morph into a proficient assassin, appealing to audiences who ponder their own abilities to protect loved ones in peril or entertain the idea of a mysterious neighbor harboring a clandestine past. However, while this unique subgenre, exemplified excellently by James Cameron’s recent 4K VOD release, can be immensely enjoyable when executed skillfully, “The Family Plan” sadly falls short of achieving that finesse.

Wahlberg portrays Dan Morgan, a regular man employed at a car dealership who cherishes his family’s familiar routines. Wednesdays are dedicated to tacos (as Tuesdays feel too expected), and he meticulously plans intimate moments with his wife Jessica (played by Michelle Monaghan) on Thursdays. However, he grapples with challenges concerning his two teenage children: Nina (portrayed by Zoe Colletti), who desires to switch from Stanford University to Southern Iowa University for a boy, and Kyle (enacted by Van Crosby), who clandestinely continues playing shooter games despite his dad’s prohibition. Amidst this, there’s an unexpected addition to the family—a third child just old enough to interject with adorable yet quirky baby antics while the story unfolds repeatedly.

The infant becomes a central figure in the initial intense action scene, set within a grocery store where Dan grapples with an assailant while safeguarding the little one nestled in a carrier fastened to his chest. Admittedly far-fetched, this scenario marks the beginning of the downfall of “The Family Plan,” relying on implausible situations for humor rather than relatable or realistic elements. The allure of top-tier narratives in this genre often stems from weaving familiarity into both the comedic and action elements. Unfortunately, “The Family Plan” consistently lacks the grounding of authentic human behavior, failing to compensate for its incredulity with either laughter or gripping excitement.

Dan’s covert past as a hired assassin for the enigmatic McCaffrey surfaces, forcing him to seek refuge. Desperate to start anew, he reaches out to Augie, an old ally, summoning the Morgans to Vegas. Thus begins an arduous road trip from Buffalo to Vegas, a journey fraught with the intent to disclose the truth to Jessica and perhaps mend his fractured relationship with his teenagers. However, this expedition feels lackluster, leaning on scenes of adults belting out “Ice, Ice Baby” in the car rather than crafting compelling humor or developing characters. The excessive focus on quirky baby moments reflects a lack of faith in both the characters and the audience by the creators.

After evading numerous assassins on their journey from New York to Nevada, miraculously avoiding detection by everyone except the baby, the Morgans finally reach the City of Sin. While I’m willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of comedy, Dan’s decision to leave his children, including the baby, to enjoy a fancy dinner with Jessica is simply unbelievable. Predictably, the Morgans get separated, only to be found by McCaffrey, leading to a revelation of the truth.

Mark Wahlberg could potentially pull off a storyline like this. His blend of a wide-eyed, conservative family man and a believable former assassin adds depth to the character. Monaghan, often underused, effortlessly slips into her role, infusing Jessica with glimpses of her yearning for her lost spontaneity. Maggie Q, despite limited screen time, manages to bring depth to her character, Jessica’s new friend with dubious intentions. Zoe Colletti also shines in her role as the daughter, injecting charm into a somewhat overlooked character.

The underperformance of “The Family Plan” doesn’t fall on the shoulders of its cast. They perform well, yet they’re navigating a screenplay that lacks depth and a director who struggles to meld an everyday family tale with intense action seamlessly. Surprisingly, the movie culminates in moments of jarring violence, like gunfire amidst a bustling Vegas casino and a death tied to a soiled diaper that lingers in my nightmares. This highlights the fundamental confusion about the film’s identity—whether it should be a family comedy, a spy thriller, or a fusion of both. Ultimately, it ends up being none of the above.