Family Business DVD by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment - Perfect for Movie Nights & Family Gatherings

Another film sadly neglected in its day that deserves revaluation. The offbeat nature of this work probably resulted in its lukewarm critical and box office reception. I think what was off putting at the time was its curious ethnic casting. We have to accept Dustin Hoffman as Sean Connery's son. In turn we have to buy Hoffman as a Sicilian Scotsman. Not the least Latina Rosana Desoto plays a Jew. These are such adept actors, however, that you quickly suspend disbelief. Vincent Patrick successfully adapts his source novel much like he did with "The Pope of Greenwich Village" released earlier in the decade. "Family Business" is essentially an exploration of family bonds. For better or for worse the bonds that tie the McMullens is larceny. Ultimately, though, what is revealed is it isn't so much the money its the thrill of planning and pulling off the caper. Sean Connery is an absolute lifeforce as gregarious patriarch Jesse. Hoffman is appropriately subdued as the cautious Vito. Matthew Broderick continues his graduation to adult roles as the bored scholar Adam looking for excitement in his life. If memory serves Broderick followed this up with terrific work in Edward Zwick's "Glory" rightfully considered a masterpiece. How can you dislike a film that serves up not one but two memorable Irish wake scenes? Anybody following the trajectory of director Sidney Lumet's will recognize that "Family Business" is a piece with his canon.