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)

For the second time in two days, I had to turn off the cynical bastard in me to enjoy an endearingly heart-aching movie. If I had been looking forward to a great comedy, I would have been disappointed, but as a drama, it works perfectly. I don't know why, but I like Omar Sy, whether he's playing an unexpected dad, a caretaker, a cook, or a gangster. He's accompanied by superb Clémence Poésy here, and it sure is a success. Maybe I also liked the film because I was expecting more of a goofy flick with a lovey-dovey happy ending. Instead, I got a drama that kept me entertained and the two hours just raced by. I hope the French filmmakers don't plan on making more of this sort of thing, I'd hate to change my negative attitude towards the French cinema. (08/27/2017)

Compared to the Mexican film Instructions Not Included, Two Is a Family has a much better cast. Especially the likable Omar Sy and the charming Gloria Colston deserve credit for the fact that the plot moves along nicely. It is not as funny as the Mexican film, but the dramatic storyline is skillfully interwoven with slightly comedic elements, while the atmosphere is perfectly underscored by a very good soundtrack. Which I definitely find more appealing than some big spectacle. (70%) (08/14/2020)

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)