6.3 people? Really? This movie deserves a much higher score than that. It has everything you could ever want in a holiday film...or any film, for that matter. Happiness, anger, sorrow, humor, heart and soul, drama...plus a feeling of "realism" that's almost impossible to come by these days.

The house in the movie feels messy and real and "lived-in," as opposed to a fake movie set, along with the people who are not all perfect and polished. You almost feel as though you're peeking through tiny cameras at this family as you witness their foibles and weird relationship dynamics that only families have.

The Stone family, which consists of the two older parents and five adult children, are all congregating at the big ole' family home for the holidays. But now, Everett, the very successful son, is bringing home a new girlfriend named Merideth (played by Sara Jessica Parker) to introduce to the family.

Naturally, it's difficult enough meeting all the members of such a large well-established group. But add the fact Meredith is sort of an ill-at-ease uptight woman to begin with, along with the fact the family has already decided to dislike her (due to the youngest daughter already going out to dinner with the couple and spreading the word that Meredith is a total obnoxious b**tch) and you're in for some real awkwardness.

Meredith (played to emotional perfection by Parker) manages to always say and do the wrong thing, even though she's really trying to make everyone like her. Maybe (as Everett's laid-back brother...also played beautifully by Luke Wilson) points out.

So, Meredith ends up calling her sister (Claire Danes) for support...and that's when things REALLY get complicated! I won't offer spoilers here, because I really want you to watch the movie. And although the story may seem a little dreary at times (like real life, it's both sad and funny) there is a magical moment (about thirty minutes from the end) when all hell breaks loose which is hysterical!

There are a lot of big names in this movie (as you can see...Diane Keaton, etc...) and, like I said, all the actors do a wonderful job. If you are a fan of complicated relationship dynamics, then you will enjoy this movie. My husband commented (from the kitchen) that it seemed cliche, but oh well. Maybe it's not for everyone.

Personally, I think The Family Stone is so much better than a lot of these cheesy Christmas movies that just seem so fake. Trust me, this is miles and miles away from a Hallmark holiday film!

From PASTO, COLOMBIA-Via: L. A. CA; CALI, COLOMBIA+ORLANDO, FL --------------------------The ONLY Tony Kiss Castillo on FaceBook!---

The Previews of The Family Stone seemed to hold out the promise of a genuinely light and thoroughly amusing comedy, perhaps a bit over-the-top, but focused on the cultural differences between a very liberal family, (giving the impression that the parents were, perhaps, "Hippies" back in the 60's) and a super-conservative and tightly wound woman, engaged to one of their sons.

The problem is that the film showcased in the theatrical trailer plus the marketing campaign launched to promote it, vs. The actual movie you see in the theater have absolutely nothing in common! Unfortunately, previews sole raison d'etre apparently is to get people into the theater. It doesn't seem to matter in the least to these people if the expectation generated by the short is totally out of sync with the experience given by the film.

Thusly, it is easy to understand the plethora of reviewers who were livid with these bait and switch tactics! At its core, Family Stone is much more of a serious film that attempts to underscore the importance of cohesive family life, and how family unity can overcome obstacles that initially seem insurmountable, such as sharing and then getting over the pain of the loss of one of their own.

The cast is remarkable. Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Dermot Mulroney, Claire Danes, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Craig T. Nelson. Almost all of them renowned actors, who conform a superb ensemble cast. If you enjoy family dramas with a healthy dose of comic relief, Family Stone is far and away better than most films of its kind

8******** STARS...,. ENJOY! / DISFRUTELA!

Any comments, questions or observations, in English o en Español, are most welcome!.......

Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker) is really uptight. She accompanies her boyfriend Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) to his family's Christmas holidays. The Stone family is headed by Sybil (Diane Keaton) and Kelly (Craig T. Nelson). Susannah (Elizabeth Reaser) is the oldest sibling and a stay-at-home mom. Ben (Luke Wilson) is a stoner. Amy (Rachel McAdams) hates Meredith. Thad (Tyrone Giordano) is gay and deaf. Meredith feels picked on especially by Amy and leaves to stay at the inn. She asks her more relaxed sister Julie (Claire Danes) to join her. Everett wants to propose to Meredith with grandma's ring but Sybil refuses to give him the ring. Everybody objects to the proposal.

It's a quirky family Christmas holiday get together. It's not anything new but it's always good material to mine. SJP is overplaying her character a little. She doesn't need to play the role as if she's got a board in her back. McAdams is a fun meanie and she allows for some comedy to come through with SJP. The cast for the family is great and they have good chemistry together.