Family Business Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three generations of criminals team up to steal… something? It’s mostly just yelling about family and the existential dread of a 9-to-5 job.

🍿 Family Business: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of the McMullen Family

The film introduces Jessie McMullen, a seasoned career criminal with a colorful past. His son, Vito, once followed in his footsteps but has since turned to a legitimate life, running a meat packing business. Vito’s son, Adam, is a bright college student seemingly destined for a conventional future, creating a generational divide within the family.

The Temptation of a Caper

Adam, feeling stifled by his predictable future, becomes intrigued by the allure of his grandfather’s criminal lifestyle. He presents a scheme to Jessie involving the theft of plasmids from a high-tech company, promising a substantial payday. Vito, initially resistant, finds himself drawn into the plan, primarily to protect his son from the potential dangers of the criminal world.

The Heist and its Consequences

The three generations of McMullens embark on the heist, which initially appears successful. However, their plan unravels when Adam forgets a crucial logbook, forcing him to return to the scene, triggering an alarm, and leading to his arrest. Vito and Jessie escape with the stolen goods, but Adam faces serious charges, creating a major rift within the family.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jessie (Sean Connery): The charismatic, aging career criminal and grandfather who embraces a life of crime and influences his grandson.
• Vito (Dustin Hoffman): The reformed criminal and father who struggles to keep his son away from the life he left behind, but is drawn back in to protect him.
• Adam (Matthew Broderick): The bright college student and grandson who idolizes his criminal grandfather and seeks excitement through a risky heist.
• Elaine (Rosanna DeSoto): Vito’s wife and Adam’s mother, who urges Vito to do what is morally right.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jessie: “Hey, you bald-headed prick! Don’t you ever get caught on the take. Because if you wind up in any joint I’m in, you’ll leave feet first.” – Jessie threatens a crooked lawyer, warning him of the consequences if he ends up in prison.
• Adam: “There’s nothing you can do about it.” – Adam defiantly tells his father, Vito, that he’s going ahead with the robbery plan despite Vito’s objections.
• Vito: “He felt!” – Other prisoners say this about Jessie after he beats another prisoner during their transfer.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40 million
• Domestic Gross: $12.1 million
• Worldwide Gross: $12.1 million

💥 Family Business Reviews

Personal Review

I was so excited to see Connery, Hoffman, and Broderick together, but honestly, it felt a bit flat. The initial setup had potential, but the film never truly capitalizes on it. I appreciated the exploration of family dynamics, especially the tension between Vito and Jessie, but the overall execution left me wanting. It wasn’t terrible, just… underwhelming. The funeral scene was moving, though.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sean Connery and Dustin Hoffman”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas with a focus on family dynamics”
  • “Those who appreciate Sidney Lumet’s directing style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Themes of criminal activity”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “While the cast boasts considerable talent, ‘Family Business’ never quite gels into a cohesive whole. The film struggles to balance its comedic and dramatic elements, resulting in a muddled and ultimately unsatisfying experience. The heist itself feels anticlimactic.
• Variety: “A middling effort from Lumet. Connery steals every scene, but the script lacks depth. What should be a witty caper ends up feeling like a prolonged family therapy session with occasional lock-picking.
• RogerEbert.com: “The movie is not a great piece of work, but contains such strong performances and interesting ideas, that it is a film worth remembering and considering. A story that has some great things to say about respect, morals, and family values. A real NYC feel to it.

Audience Reactions

Connery’s performance as the charismatic grandpa was the highlight; he brought life to the whole movie.: Most viewers agreed that the acting was the strongest aspect, with Connery’s charm and Hoffman’s intensity being frequently mentioned.

The idea of three generations of crime was interesting, but felt like the story didn’t fully commit.: The audience was expecting the movie to be either drama or comedy, so struggled that the movie was neither.

Overall Consensus: While boasting a talented cast, ‘Family Business’ struggles to find its footing, resulting in a lukewarm reception. Connery’s performance is a highlight, but the film’s uneven tone and predictable plot leave much to be desired.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sean Connery is only seven years older than Dustin Hoffman, despite playing his father.”
• “The filming location for the laboratory was at 2 Jericho Plaza, Jericho, Long Island, New York.”
• “This was one of several collaborations between director Sidney Lumet and Sean Connery, including ‘The Hill,’ ‘The Anderson Tapes’, and ‘The Offense.'”

🖥️ How to Watch Family Business?

As of today, ‘Family Business’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services. Unfortunately, it’s not currently included with any subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Family Business, you might like these similar films:

• The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984): Written by the same writer, Vincent Patrick, this film also explores the world of small-time criminals in New York City.
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001): Features a complex heist with a charismatic ensemble cast, focusing on the planning and execution of the crime.
• Catch Me If You Can (2002): Based on a true story, this film showcases the charm and audacity of a con artist and the generational tensions.

🛒 Family Business Related Products

• Sean Connery Ultimate Collection [Blu-ray]: This collection features Sean Connery’s most iconic roles in high definition, perfect for any fan. It offers hours of entertainment and behind-the-scenes content, with many movies that have been digitally remastered for optimal viewing experience. A must-have for collectors and movie enthusiasts.
• Dustin Hoffman: An Intimate Portrait: Dive deep into the life and career of Dustin Hoffman with this comprehensive biography. Features rare photos and insights into his most famous roles. Explore the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, with rare photos and behind-the-scenes stories that offer a unique perspective on his craft and legacy. A collector’s dream.
• Sidney Lumet – 5 Films [DVD]: A collection of Sidney Lumet’s best movies, from Serpico to Dog Day Afternoon, allows to appreciate the director’s artistry and see how great stories were made on the set.
• Blueprint for Robbery: The Incredible Real-Life Plans and The Audacious Heists of a Master Thief: Delve into the real world of heists with this book, offering a thrilling look at the plans and execution of audacious thefts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Family Business features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Danny Boy” – performed by Traditional Irish Tune
• “Family Business – Theme” – performed by Cy Coleman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ryan’s first Business Class Airplane Ride To Japan + Japan Hotel Tour!!!

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly business class with kids? This family travel vlog gives you a peek, and honestly, their hotel looks amazing too! It will make you want to book a family trip right away.

Kaycee & Rachel’s first Business Class Airplane Ride

Curious how families manage long flights? This video shows Kaycee & Rachel’s first business class experience. Honestly, it looks so relaxing, I kinda want to try it myself!

If My Family Works at the Movie Theater! 19 Funny Situations

Ever thought about what it would be like if your family worked at the movie theater? This sketch video shows some ridiculously funny (and maybe relatable!) scenarios that you just have to see. Warning: you might laugh too hard!

✨ Rate