Meredith is an uptight over-worked highly tightly wound mid 20's female in NewYork. She's going home with her boyfriend (actually her boss of sorts)to his family house and large family for Chrismas. Totally neurotic and nervous she's fretting from the first moment in the car on their trip. Upon arriving Everett's family (her guy) has already begun to pick her apart, from the fact she chatters and talks constantly when nervous tot he personal tick of throat clearing. Now Meredith ( Sarah Jessica Parker) is trying her best, attempting to be a gracious guest. Refused to sleep in the same bed/ room as Everett, which only causes more family discord. He's planned on getting the family wedding ring of his Grandmother's and asking Meredith to marry him. Various hijinx and maladys occur, from the game of charades where her clue is "The Bride Wore Black" and Meredith happens to extend a finger (now I wont say she pointed.. you be the judge) at Thadd's partner Patrick, to the Strata she makes for everyone's breakfast X-mas morning that includes mushrooms; which Everett is allergic to. Meanwhile back at the family stone ranch, Ben the oldest, screw-up, child has arrived. He happens to take an instant likeing to Meredith. Meredith on the other hand is so distraught over the entire family disliking her and not giv ing her a chance that she moves to the local Inn and calls her sister Julie to join them. Julie (Calire Danes) arrives, cluelessly falling at the feet of her unknown suitor to be. Sybil (Diane Keaton the matriah of the family Stone) has been ill perviously and lost a breast due to cancer... she is sick again although not telling anyone else in the family. Kelly (Craig T.) is hiddng that fact and try to make his family nice and welcoming for the newcomers.
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THis is the dysfunctional family's "It's a Wonderful Life".
The review of this Movie prepared by Erika Gardner
An unmarried couple go to visit family in the Northeast - her first visit. Most of the Stones are mean people but especially the youngest daughter but initially presented as a fun, loving family. And the Stones (3 brothers and 2 sisters) let Sarah Jessica Parker's character (Meredith) know they do not like her. They pick on her, make fun of her, refuse to allow her to participate and fight among themselves about her in front of her and behind her back. She finally leaves but only to go to a local B&B and asks her sister to come stay with her. Dermot Mulroney's (Everett) brother, played by Luke Wilson (Ben), begins to fall for Meredith while Everett begins to fall for Claire Danes (Julie, Meredith's sister) - an odd trading of partners that is completely obvious throughout the film. There is a strange cancer theme running through the film that is not made clear until the last fourth of the film.
The review of this Movie prepared by Jody T. Bixby
