Two Is a Family

I have nothing against bittersweet, moving films, but Two Is a Family is a manipulative and superficial calculation that is fundamentally unpleasantly torn between trying to find a serious relationship-parenting probe in the style of contemporary European dramas, and an inappropriately chosen overflow of Hollywood comedy stylization. Both of these contradictory approaches interfere with each other. The result seems as if the creators want to shoot a new version of Kramer vs. Kramer, but to make it come off to the audience more like Big Daddy with Adam Sandler, which reliably kills any impression of realism. The first quarter of an hour is basically great, but the rest is an artificial spasm that is too bitter for comedy and too flat, transparent and unbelievable for drama. (11/02/2017)

The French know how to make dramas and comedies, and they are also good at mixing genres. Two Is a Family is more on a serious note, but it also features many humorous moments, especially provided by Antoine Bertrand as Bernie. During the first two acts I thought I would give the film a solid three stars, but in the last act it all went up a notch and in the end the film played a lot on my emotions, and I ate it up hook, line and sinker. Two Is a Family isn't a comedy of the kind that will have you rolling with laughter, it's more of a humorously paced story of a father and daughter trying to live their life together to the fullest despite more than one obstacle. (03/15/2020)

Definitely one of the best, most intense and powerful films of the year. Omar Sy has another excellent role after The Intouchables and proves that he is one of the funniest black actors ever. Hugo Gélin has written another role tailor-made for him and this time instead of an immobile senior citizen he is in charge of a little girl, which is closer to my personal taste and the whole film had a huge impact on me. Omar has given up his life to give his daughter his all, a dream come true for every child and I think we can all agree that everyone would want a father like him. There is no shortage of funny moments, suspenseful moments, movie set moments, and poignant scenes that, especially in the final minutes, mine emotion so strongly that my eyes are still stinging two hours after it's over. I haven't screamed so hard at anything and yet it is not an emotional wipeout. An incredible film and France in full force again. 100%. (04/25/2017)

Definitive proof that Omar Sy is the king of dramedies with a social subtext. The Intouchables could have been a coincidence, Samba could have been god luck, but this time it's a sure bet. On his home turf, this walking breath of optimism simply can't be surpassed. And even though the twists may seem expected and overly emotional, a smaller but more important idea about fully enjoying life emerges throughout the whole story, opening one's eyes. And that's when tears really start to sting. (02/15/2017)

The story of this film is a bit expected, there's nothing all that downright surprising about it, but you have to give it credit for being so well cast that it just sweeps you away. Omar Sy is such a great actor that he can handle any scene, whether it's a hotshot, a father loving his daughter, or an overwhelmed man. Everything works for him perfectly. (02/16/2018)