#5: The Family Stone

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Plot

Ranking in at number 5, this family-orientated film dominates the big screen. With its all-star cast, including Diane Keaton, Luke Wilson, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rachel McAdams, The Family Stone portrays a typical family Christmas at the Stone's. Sybil Stone (Diane Keaton), the matriarch of the family, loves Christmas because five of her children venture back to their childhood home for the holiday. The movie revolves around the fact that this year the eldest son, Everett (Dermot Mulroney), is bringing his fiancé-to-be, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker), to the annual get together. Meredith, to say the least, is not cut from the same mold as the rest of the Stones. She is conservative, uptight, high maintenance, rigid, snooty, and serious. 

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Meredith does not receive a warm welcome, especially from Sybil and daughter Amy (Rachel McAdams). They just don't think she's right for Everett. Faced with the cold reception, Meredith begs her sister, Julie (Claire Danes) to join her to take the pressure off. But, bringing in her beautiful, kind-hearted sister is a further complication. 


Underlying the family drama with Meredith is the revelation that this is likely to be Sybil's last Christmas as she is dying of cancer. Throughout this drama, each of her children, in their own way, discover her secret. 

In the end, The Family Stone makes you laugh, makes you cry, and makes you want to watch it over and over. 

Favorite Character 

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Amy Stone - She is the hard-headed and cruel sister, youngest of the Stones. She has no tolerance for Meredith and has no difficulty with letting her and everybody else know. But even Amy has to see the good side of Meredith when Meredith gives everyone the same gift for Christmas: a picture of Sybil while pregnant with Amy. Rachael McAdams' Amy is easy to love and easy to hate - which feeling did you have for her character? 

Favorite Scene 

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Dinner at the Stone house. What begins in laughter, ends in silence; with a little bit of yelling in between. The second Stone son, Thad, and his partner Patrick, discuss their plan to adopt. Everyone seems very excited for the couple. Meredith, on the other hand, questions their position on nature vs. nurture, which leads into a discussion that reveals her bigotry and homophobic attitude, ultimately digging an enormous hole for herself with the Stone family. The scene ends with Sybil throwing a fork at her deaf gay son insisting to him that he is more normal than anyone at the table.

Favorite Quotes

"You've had a charmed life, kid." Sybil Stone 
"I'm sick, honey. And you can't fix it. Not even by getting married." Sybil Stone 
"Hey, I know this is probably a tall order, but I need you to do me a favor, and try not to be so perfect." Sybil Stone 

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Link to Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wM0Zn3493o

How would you, as an outsider, deal with the Stone family at Christmas time?