Instant Family

Sparked by the personal experiences of Sean Anders and his wife Beth, with a healthy dose of other stories mixed in, "Instant Family" attempts to bridge the divide between how fostering is portrayed in the media and how it works practically in America today. Although this is ultimately a family-friendly feel-good film released just in time for Thanksgiving, there is more than enough real conflict that sustains the movie and will hopefully fuel conversation to encourage more adults and families to foster children currently in the system today.

Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne portray Pete and Ellie, the brand-new-to-parenting couple who had never previously thought of fostering as a viable option until one day Rose's character starts looking at the website AdoptUSKids one day. As they tiptoe awkwardly towards full parenthood, they both realize that parenting might be both harder and easier than they could have ever imagined. Instead of fostering one child, they end up fostering three kids, two sisters and one brother. At some point, they aren't just dealing with their foster kids' problems, but their own particular flaws as they struggle to keep their brand new family together.

There are some fantastic cameos with actors who have brilliant comedic timing and intersecting plotlines which allow the performers to stretch themselves in interesting ways. Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro make a wonderful odd couple of social workers who introduce the couple to the important changing constraints of the system the family has to work within as well as providing emotional support during tough moments. As the oldest sister Lizzy, Isabela Moners is both cocky and fragile and puts in a very solid turn as a teenager who has definitely seen too much.

This is a movie with a clear message: People should harbor minors in need at whichever level a kid may require, such as full adoption or a place to stay for a night. Although the director feels fortunate to have three lucky kids, there are so many children who may never find a forever family once their own biological one is separated. Without glossing over the uncomfortable reality of fostering little ones who may miss their own original family and parents who definitely miss being free of responsibility, "Instant Family" delivers laughs and tears aplenty along with a healthy dose of hope.