French filmmaker Cedric Klapisch's smooth blend of comedy and family drama isn't nearly as delightful as last summer's WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY. But then it's not exactly trying to be. It's an adaptation of a successful play about a dysfunctional
French family -- from the opinionated matriarch (Claire Maurier) and her 30ish unmarried daughter Betty (Agnes Jaoui) to self-centered computer executive son Philippe (Wladimir Yordanoff) and his wife Yolande (Catherine Frot) -- who all descend for a birthday celebration on Henri (Jean-Pierre
Bacri), the cranky owner of the struggling family cafe whose wife Arlette has just left him. What follows is a universally recognizable ...
Released:
1996
Rated:
NR
Length:
107 mins