The Family Fang (2015)

A film diametrically opposite to the conventions of American cinema approach.

I do not know the book on which it is based but all the story of this film seems to me an undeniable success, both in the type of characters, outsiders creators, and the plot -strange and twisted-, with a touch of humor, also with many moments of deep reflection on performance art, action-art, and the limit of consequences lead to (as did the performers of the 70s and no doubt inspired by them). Very interesting, and ironic, the critical commentary to one of this movement's leaders, Chris Burden.

The direction of the film (the first of Jason Bateman as director) is firm and convincing and the exquisite sobriety of interpretations, especially Kidman, Bateman and Walken, transform it into a film that it's almost certainly going to have a long run, especially in these times of artistic misery and cheap creative ideas.

Fmovies: This movie was so different compared to any movie I've seen this year, and for a while! It takes us into the mind of a celebrity and how they stage things and work their way to do anything to make art/acting look so real. It was was beautifully done, but definitely not for the faint of heart.

Directed by Jason Bateman and starring Jason Bateman, Nicole Kidman, Christopher Walken and Maryann Plunkett. The plot involves the story of Caleb Fang and Camille Fang, two actors who do things things for a living by hoaxing and staging almost every situation. They have brought up their 2 kids Baxter and Annie Fang into these situations. The kids decide to go their separate ways and back away from their parents "celebrity" lifestyle. Years later they get a call from their parents asking to meet up. They decide it's a good idea and meet up with them. After a huge falling out with their parents officers arrive at the door saying their parents have died. Is it another hoax or is it for real? As stated above, this movie is so different and so true in many aspects. The acting is brilliant (especially from Kidman and Walken.) Kidman's character acted like a child at heart and she did not act her real age at all! Walken was very scary and very nasty as the father. An extremely disturbed man. It takes you into the eyes and mind of a celebrity, such as pretending to fake run in public for better publicity appearances, pretending to eat healthy, pretending a fan is not near you, and most of all...pretending to be normal. Celebrities dragging their children into a sick, twisted, fake game is what this story is about...and as disturbing as that is....it's actually true for a lot of celebrities! It's not exactly a comedy movie. It's more of a Drama movie. It's really hard to watch this. You get to experience the reality of what people/kids have to go through just to be a celebrity!

All in all, i can't say I had fun watching this, but it was definitely a great, original idea and was brilliantly executed! Jason Bateman's directing and even acting gets better by each movie. 4/5 stars 8/10. Autistic Jay

"Our parents aren't missing. They are artists, this is all a performance." Baxter (Bateman) and Annie (Kidman) Baxter are brother and sister who have tried their best to put their past behind them. After Baxter is injured the hospital calls their parents. Growing up they were forced to be a part of performance art with their famous parents. When tempers flare and things are said the parents leave, and wind up missing and presumed dead. Not believing something happened to them for real the two siblings start to investigate. There are some movies that are good no matter who is in them, and there are some movies that are made better because of the cast. This is that kind of movie. The idea isn't all that original, but the cast of Bateman, Kidman and Walken really make the movie better than it is and makes it worth watching for that reason if nothing else. There are some pretty funny things in this, but I would call this more drama than comedy. Another dysfunctional family movie that is really missing something to make you connect to the characters, but the actors did all they could. Overall, a movie that isn't bad and is entertaining, but mainly due to the cast. I give this a B-.

The Family Fang fmovies. I was shocked to see that someone could rate this movie with only 1 star and call it #2. Any CGI-Junkie and "state-of-the-art-Hollywood-moive" fan (sarcasm) will be disappointed. But if you give this movie a chance to effect you, then you will be anything else than disappointed. I came across the book by accident and it was not (for me) a great read. But seen it performed by this ensemble of actors was worth it. If you get upset about any sign of incest (and a kiss like this is not), then Shakespeare's King Lear is not art, either. Watch "Pacific Rim" instead. Many of the dialogues in this movie I did watch over and over, the choice of words, the setting and acting were simply great. Walken, Kidman and Bateman – awesomeness (thanks NPH) on screen. The story is, at least just for me, the frame, which is holding it together. Parents and kids will always struggle to get along. And here it is stretched over the top - into the realm of art. But then life itself is a form of art. And this movie shows that Hollywood not only produces #2 these days. One point I did not like was the shaky camera. It is supposed to be modern and probably cool. Still it is annoying as hell and gives me a headache, in any movie it is used in. This movie uses it in certain shots, but could easily do without it.

'THE FAMILY FANG': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A dark comedy-drama flick, about the two adult children of a very controversial 'conceptual performance art' couple. The siblings blame their mother and father for all of their current problems in life; and when their parents go missing, the sister is sure it's just another disturbing art project. The film was directed by Jason Bateman, who also co-stars in it, and it was written by David Lindsay-Abaire. It's based on the 2011 novel, of the same name, by Kevin Wilson. The movie also co-stars Nicole Kidman (who co-produced the flick too), Christopher Walken, Maryann Plunkett, Kathryn Hahn (who also costarred in 'BAD WORDS'; which Bateman also directed and starred in) and Jason Butler Harner. I enjoyed the film immensely.

Baxter and Annie Fang (Bateman and Kidman) had a very bizarre, and highly unconventional, upbringing. Their parents are world famous 'conceptual performance artists', named Caleb and Camille Fang (Walken and Plunkett), and they incorporated Baxter and Annie into most of their projects (when they were young). The siblings have had a lot of issues, as adults, because of it. When their mother and father go missing, and are presumed dead by authorities, Annie becomes obsessed with proving it's another art trick.

I really like the story for this movie; it poses a lot of great questions about what makes great art. I'm a big fan of performance art (I experience with it a lot on social media), so this film is very interesting to me. I agree with Christopher Walken's character, on his opinions about art, but I think he took it too far, by involving his kids (I can see how that could do a lot of psychological damage to them). The movie is also a great character study, and the performances are all excellent too. Bateman also proves, once again, what a talented director he is, as well (I'm also a big fan of 'BAD WORDS'). It's definitely a film worth seeing!

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Based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Kevin Wilson, 'The Family Fang' by Jason Bateman, is a wonder of a film. No kidding, this is a sublime film, about family & the importance of parenthood. This One's A Near-Perfect Comedy-Drama!

'The Family Fang' Synopsis: A brother and sister return to their family home in search of their world famous parents who have disappeared.

'The Family Fang' is a quietly devastating film, on how important it is to be a good parent, in order to raise their children sane. In here, the unsettled protagonists (Bateman, Nicole Kidman, in Pure Oscar Peak Form), are a victim of unusual parents (Christopher Walken & Maryann Plunkett, both brilliant). They are not your regular parents, they are attention seekers, who find Art in the Reality of Life. They put up gigs (not even one of which shows any signs of entertainment, but of rather fright) & they swear to live by it, in extreme measures. Its a devastating journey to see this family so distort, torn between love, commitment & art.

David Lindsay-Abaire's Adapted Screenplay is superior in all terms. 'The Family Fang' is essentially a comedy, with some dark, dramatic undertones. I was engrossed & heartbroken by the struggle of its scarred protagonist. 'The Family Fang' is about artistry gone too far & how a family is only a family, when you treat it like one. Bateman's Direction is Brilliant. He takes charge of the narrative & doesn't let you go. Take a bow, Mr.Batemen!

The Fangs aren't particularly normal, but nor is their journey. Don't Miss It!