Reviews

"Brothers & Sisters" follows the lives of five adult siblings (Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, Balthazar Getty, Matthew Rhys, and Dave Annable) and their newly widowed mother (the magnificent Sally Field) after the unexpected death of the family patriarch in the first episode. The series explores what it means to be in a close-knit family in modern times, the difficulties and joys that come with being human, and the importance of unconditional love and support.

The cast is superb, particularly Field, who is a powerhouse as the middle-aged mother and grandmother Nora, who is trying to find herself after her husband's death brings to light years of his lies and indiscretions. Field is required to play the whole gamut of intense emotions and she nails it all flawlessly. Hers is an emmy worthy performance. Matthew Rhys, a relative unknown in the United States, is a revelation as gay lawyer brother Kevin.

The series is family drama at its brilliant best. American politics influence this family, as Flockhart's Kitty is a right-wing pundit involved with a Republican Presidential hopeful. The show is up to the minute topical as brother Justin (Annable) is being called back to Iraq, and Kevin is furious at Kitty's involvement with an anti-gay politician. The Walkers are a family situated in today's America. "Brothers & Sisters" is like holding up a mirror to life-to the strained and crazy dynamics of family, to hopes, dreams, disappointments and heartaches, and ultimately to healing and forgiveness. "Brothers & Sisters" is my favorite show, one to cherish and enjoy.

"The Family Stone" is one of my favorite movies-a touching, funny comedy-drama about family, love, and acceptance. The film is not afraid to be unique and original as it mines the complexities of family togetherness and the petty resentments that emerge among tight-knit adult siblings, their parents, and the "outsider", the oldest son's chilly, uptight girlfriend, played in an inspired, award-nominated performance by Sarah Jessica Parker. Her struggle to gain the acceptance and respect of the family Stone provides the setup for the story in which she, the Stone parents(the wonderful Diane Keaton as the outspoken mother and Craig T. Nelson as the quiet, compassionate father),and their five adult children (Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson, Rachel Mc Adams, Ty Giordano, and Elizabeth Reaser)spend three eventful days together over Christmastime. In these three days, characters grow, bonds are reaffirmed, and secrets are revealed as Meredith and the Stones learn some powerful lessons about forgiveness and the healing power of love.

The "Family Stone" is by turns both hilarious and achingly poignant, both because of its pitch perfect observations of family dynamics. Parker's performance is the true standout, but there is not a weak link in the entire cast, with Keaton having one particularly powerful moment when affirming her love and acceptance to her gay son.

"The Family Stone" is a rare find amidst the mindless eye candy that characterizes most studio films these days. It is a film unafraid to show adults loving together, growing together, and standing with each other in times of sorrow and joy.