A Family Affair: A Romantic Comedy That Falls Flat

Romantic comedies are a dime a dozen, but every now and then, one comes along that tries to shake things up. A Family Affair, directed by Richard LaGravanese and written by Carrie Solomon, is one such film. It follows the story of Zara Ford (Joey King), a young woman who works as an assistant to a Hollywood star, Chris Cole (Zac Efron). When Zara quits her job, Chris comes to her home to beg her to come back, and that’s when he meets her mother, Brooke Harwood (Nicole Kidman). Sparks fly, and hilarity ensues.

But here’s the thing: the romance in A Family Affair just doesn’t work. Despite the best efforts of Efron and Kidman, their chemistry is nonexistent. It’s a shame, because the rest of the relationships in the film are actually quite enjoyable. Joey King shines as Zara, and her interactions with Efron are some of the film’s highlights. The same can be said for her relationship with her mother, which adds a touch of heart to the film.

A Family Affair

One of the standout aspects of A Family Affair is its ability to poke fun at the romantic comedy genre. Efron, in particular, seems to be having a blast playing a version of himself. He’s game for making fun of his celebrity status, and it’s a joy to watch. Kathy Bates, who plays Zara’s grandmother, also adds a touch of sass to the film.

A Family Affair

Visually, A Family Affair is nothing to write home about. The film looks flat and washed out, which is a shame given the talent involved. But despite its flaws, A Family Affair is still an enjoyable watch. It’s a pleasant way to pass a few hours, and it’s filled with good-looking celebrities and enough laughs to keep you entertained.

A Family Affair

In the end, A Family Affair is a film that’s easy to sit through, but it’s not exactly necessary viewing. If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, you might find yourself enjoying it, but it’s not going to win any awards anytime soon.