Instant Family

The movie titled “Instant Family,” from 2018 and starring Mark Wahlberg, is a comedy that might not be suitable for family nights with younger children due to its content. Despite its title suggesting a lighthearted and kid-friendly movie, it’s advisable to exercise caution given Wahlberg’s history in comedy films. Initially, the film didn’t receive much attention upon release, but has since gained popularity and even made it into Netflix’s top 10 list recently.

In “Instant Family,” Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne play Pete and Ellie Wagner, a couple who take in three siblings from foster care as a sort of retaliation when others criticize them for not having children. The trio – Lizzie (15), Juan (10), and Lita (6) – become part of the movie’s cast, pushing Pete and Ellie into the deep end of parenthood. Navigating the challenging and uncharted waters of foster care and parenting is not an easy task for this couple in the film. “Instant Family” honestly depicts the struggles and challenges faced by parents or those navigating the intricacies of the foster care system.

Instant Family Is Rated PG-13

A Fitting Rating For An Edgier Family Comedy

The movie “Instant Family” receives a PG-13 rating due to its alignment with the Motion Picture Association’s standards, reflecting its comedic intent for audiences aged from adults to young teens. A significant portion of the script includes strong language, with numerous profanities used throughout. Interestingly, the film incorporates an unusual use of the F-word, which is quite rare for a PG-13 movie, strategically employing it at a critical moment.

In simpler terms, the movie “Instant Family” doesn’t sugarcoat or hide harsh realities, such as the struggle of the girls’ birth mother with drug addiction and the use of offensive language towards Mexican people. While these topics may be challenging for young viewers, they are presented in a way that is not exploitative. This could make it a tough decision for parents who prefer to delay difficult conversations with their children.

It’s worth mentioning that the movie “Instant Family” is inspired by the genuine experiences of its screenwriter and director, Sean Anders, who, together with his wife, adopted three children in real life, having gone through the foster care system themselves. As a result, the film’s depictions stem from a heartfelt perspective and empathy, earning praise from those who have navigated similar paths in adoption, either as parents or as adoptees, for its authenticity.

Instant Family Has Some Mature Moments That May Not Be Suitable For Children

From Mild Blood And Violence To Sexual Predators

To put it simply, the movie “Instant Family” sometimes veers towards a more explicit comedy style. However, the aspect that might raise concerns for family viewers is the subplot involving Lizzie, a 15-year-old character, who develops a romantic relationship with Jacob, a 22-year-old janitor at her school. This plot point includes a scene where Lizzie is almost caught sending Jacob sexually suggestive photos. Although this storyline doesn’t last long, it deals with a delicate and potentially troubling subject that the movie seems to play for humor.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: In the movie, Jacob eventually faces some harsh consequences when Peter and Ellie take matters into their own hands. They deliver quite a punch, making Jacob bleed from his nose, and they don’t hold back with a hard kick to his lower body. On a lighter note, the film “Instant Family” includes a recurring joke about Juan being incredibly clumsy. He gets beaned in the face with a baseball and even experiences a nail being hammered through his foot – reminiscent of a famous scene from “Home Alone”. While these scenes are meant to be humorous, they might still make some viewers squirm or jump.

Overall, the movie titled “Instant Family” is a family-oriented film that tackles more complex issues while occasionally venturing into territories that might be debatable for children. As is customary, it’s advisable for parents who know their children best to exercise their judgment. True to its PG-13 classification, “Instant Family” is a funny and sincere comedy that could be an enjoyable choice for parents to watch with older kids.

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2025-05-22 05:20