Instant Family

Inspired by the personal story of co-writer/director Sean Anders and his wife Beth, this is a gentle, warmhearted comedy about a couple who fostered and then adopted three children. When house-flippers Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie (Rose Byrne) decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption, where conscientious social workers (Tig Notaro, Octavia Spencer) try to prepare them for the emotionally complicated hurdles they will have to overcome. Attending an “adoption fair” for prospective parents to scope out children, they wind up with 15-year-old Lizzie (Isabela Moner), her younger brother Juan (Gustavo Quiroz), and little sister Lita (Julianna Gamiz). At first, the kids are on their best behavior. But then reality rears its disruptive head as they learn boundaries and establish trust. Overwhelmed, Pete and Ellie realize that they have taken on a tremendous responsibility. Late at night, they muse about how their lives would be sublimely uncomplicated if they gave the children back. Anders (Daddy’s Home, That’s My Boy, Horrible Bosses 2) has previously indulged in silly, immature humor, better suited to TV sitcoms. But after an awkward start, Instant Family settles into a poignant film that tackles the foibles and frustrations of our American foster care system (albeit skirting the touchy topics of race, class, and privilege) while also serving up a cautionary subplot about Lizzie sexting with the school’s predatory janitor. An endearing, inspirational film, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by writer-director Sean Anders and co-writer John Morris, deleted and extended scenes (10 min.), the production featurettes “The Families Behind the Fair” (9 min.), “Kid Power” (9 min.), “The Anders Family” (7 min.), “I Need Some Support” (5 min.), “Crew Inspiration” (5 min.), “Mr. and Mrs. Fix-It” (4 min.), “Order in the Court” (4 min.), and “On Set Proposal” (3 min.), as well as a gag reel (4 min.), and the music video “I’ll Stay” by Isabela Moner. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an engaging comedy.] (S. Granger)