Customer Reviews

Family Business

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 it
is 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...Laurie

also recommended:
Man With One Red Shoe [VHS]

Diamonds

Winter Kills

Sidney Lumet has directed some of the best actor (Fonda, Connery, Pacino. Holden, Widmark) and the worst (Vin Diesel). However this cute drama/comedy caper is cute at best and not worth his talents. If not for the three leads (Sean Connery, Dustin Hoffman, and Matthew Broderick) who are involved, this film would be forgetable.

Connery plays Jesse, the elder stateman of the McMullin clan who is part irish/part scot. Jesse is also a career criminal who has been out and in of jails. His son Vito (Hoffman) (part scot irish and Italian)was raised in the life of burglary and is trying to go straight with his meat packing business. Vito's son adam (Broderick) (who is part scot/irish/italian and Jewish on his mother's side) was gifted with a silver spoon in his mouth. Adam rather join the family business and be a thief like his Grandfather Jesse. The family dynamic works well with these three leads together, it breaks apart with they do not play scenes like a trio

None of the actors are the weakest link in this film, it lays in the script itself. Lumet uses too many two long shots and two shots to make sure at least two of the trio is always together.

The talent is on the DVD. One could wish one of these films giants or Lumet would have done an audio commentary, but none have come to pass.

So steal this DVD for your collection

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

And Sidney Lumet behind the camera? This had all the earmarks of greatness but FAMILY BUSINESS is what its principal characters are: under achievers. But what great fun! This is Connery chewing scenery ( dinner at Vito's, the prison van, the Pee Wee Grogan story). Vincent Patrick, who wrote the screenplay from his own novel, knows NYC street people and the landscape is genuine. There's worse things to waste 100 minutes on than this.

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!

Connery,Hoffman and Broderick is not the typical cast . Would you in your wildest dreams picture Dustin Hoffman as an Italian named Vito? Not only that but Sean Connerys son? Not only that but Matthew Brodericks father? Watch and you will believe! Sidney Lumet is a brilliant director and he pulls this one off beautifully! Its wonderful fun!!!! I enjoyed it tremendously!!!

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...

Being a fan of gorgeous and sexy voiced actor Matthew Broderick, I was so excited when it came out on cable that I saw it. Matthew was very convincing (but should have taken his glasses off), Dustin Hoffman was excellent but Sean Connery stole the show. Somehow, I would have liked someone younger than Dustin to have the part of the father, he seemed too old. I would have liked Danny de Vito to add some humor or Harrison Ford! But the movie was great!!!!!

Great transaction and I recommend seller. Movie is one of Connery's best but not well known performances.

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

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 !