If you watch the trailer (below) for “All Happy Families” you might conclude why is an American made film screening in a Greek film festival? Any film showing in the festival qualifies if there is Greek connection to it be it shot in Greece, a main Greek actor, producer or director. Haroula Rose, the director of the film, was born in Chicago to Greek immigrant parents.
So many “family themed” movies are simply stupid such as Robert DeNiro’s embarrassing performance in “About My Father”. Some are comedic, light and happy as Spencer Tracy in the 1950 “Father of the Bride”. Some have a raw edge like “Rebel Without a Cause”. Some are fantasy such as “Peggy Sue Got Married”. “All Happy Families” has its comedic moments and is just a bit of a romcom but it never loses itself to fluffiness. I leave it to you to determine if there is any happiness to the Landry film family and is a compliment to the film if you give this some thought!
Graham Landry (Josh Radnor) is a struggling actor and writer in Chicago who has had no real success since his college acting days. At 42 it looks like he has flatlined. Then there is his older brother Will (Rob Huebel) a successful Los Angeles family themed soap opera where he plays a father to several daughters.
Will arrives in Chicago to stay with brother Graham for a few days. Will bought the house and Graham manages and lives in it. The upper floor is a rental and Dana, a former college “friend” shows up to rent. Dana thought Graham had talent as an actor in college. She is a chef.
Hearing that a new tenant Dana will be moving in his parents Sue (Becky Ann Baker) and Roy (John Ashton) arrive in Chicago to help Graham prep the upper floor for Dana. All rolls along somewhat smoothly until Will is caught up in a Harvey Weinstein issue. This is a secret that can’t be maintained due to media exposure. Then there is the groping incident Sue has endured which needs to be kept secret. And that secret about Roy wanting to borrow money resulting from for a possible gambling issue. Then Will’s son (who wants to be a daughter) Evy arrives in Chicago.
The great familial disintegration explodes on the screen to the point of physical violence. No folks this is no “Brady Brunch” or “Family Affair” as for a moment it looks like a Telly Savalas romp in “The Dirty Dozen”.
Despite the jealously, deep secrets and the brawl it may very well be this family gets along in a rough and realistic fashion. Reality indeed. Do you know any ideal family other than sappy familial portrayals on the screen?
Kudos to Rose as writer and director for a believable accounting of family life.
You can see the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-dxrystGJE&t=11s
RKS 2024 Film Rating 86/100.
The Greek International Film Festival Tour (Canada) plays in 11 Canadian cities. For further details check out https://gifft.ca
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