Family Squares movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Family Squares

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 34 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

The Worths are a family portrait of dysfunction. When Grandma Mabel dies suddenly, they must set aside their differences and come together. Mayhem quickly ensues as long-buried family secrets bubble to the surface with a shocking revelation. But, as they begin to find their way back to each other, they soon realize that while you can’t choose your family, you can choose to be friends with them. The movie is about a family matriarch who wants to reunite her family before she passes by using Zoom. The film was written and directed by Stephanie Laing (“Veep”, “Made For Love”).

THINGS I LIKED:

The extremely likable cast includes Judy Greer, Henry Wrinkler, Margo Martindale, June Squibb, Billy Magnussen, Casey Wilson, Sam Richardson, and more.
The dialogue feels completely realistic and the actors feel like real people instead of actors playing roles.
Since we have all been living on Zoom during this pandemic, everyone will be able to relate to this film. It does a fantastic job of illustrating the comedic elements of Zoom life such as when people forget to turn on their microphones or when the screen freezes.
There are a ton of lines that made me laugh out loud.
The use of squares during scene transitions and other moments during the movie is super creative, sweet, and even symbolic.
At the end of the movie, a title card explains, “This film is dedicated to everyone who has lost someone without being able to say goodbye in person.” Sweet.
There are a few mysteries to be solved.
Keep watching during the rolling credits to see some fun behind-the-scenes take.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Every now and then, there is a strange narrator that inserts unnecessary explanations of what’s happening. The good news is that it’s the voice of Rob Reiner!
It would have been nice to see more love and support in the family.
Some viewers may be bored, waiting for “something to happen.”
If you have a dysfunctional family, watching this comedy might actually make you feel better about yours!

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

A girl flips a double-bird
Profanity and F-bombs
The grandmother who dies is a lesbian

THEMES:

Family dynamics and relationships
Family secrets
Death and grieving
Communication
Parenting
Regret
Mending fences
Unconditional love
Life
Technology
Supporting one another through life’s trials

FUNNY LINES:

* “You did everything right. You just weren’t a good liar.” – daughter (Casey Wilson)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Death is kind of beautiful.” – granddaughter (Elsie Kate Fisher)
“They say you can choose your friends, not your family but you CAN choose to be friends with your family.” – the narrator