Instant Family

Based on the director's experiences with adoption, "Instant Family" is a true-to-life comedy with a message, but it's a message stated well enough that audiences can rally behind it.

As experts in finding houses that no one wants, fixing them up and flipping them, Pete and Elle Wagner (Mark Wahlberg & Rose Byrne) lead a comfortable, fulfilling life, but something is missing. It isn't until Elle's competitive sister steps into the picture that the couple even considers having children. Whether they need a new challenge or strive for one-upmanship, the Wagners decide to expand their family by adopting a child. Before they can think better of it they're enrolled in a foster parents' course.

Under the guidance of two contradictory social workers Karen (Octavia Spencer) and Sharon (Tig Notaro), the Wagners meet a teenage girl and decide to give her a try, but she comes complete with two others, a little boy and a little girl. Before they know it the Wagners are in over their heads–with temper tantrums, picky diets and hypersensitivity from the younger kids and arguments and rebellious sexting from the teenager–the couple longs to have their old life back. It isn't until the children's biological mother reenters the picture that Pete and Elle realize how attached they've become.

This movie throws in just enough realism to make it feel genuine, but never enough to become depressing or authentic. The goal here is most definitely to feel good and a number of very funny running gags do a lot to lift the tone.

Wahlberg is an actor who works best with strong direction and good editing, which he doesn't get quite enough of here. But he has a relationship with director Sean Anders ("Daddy's Home") at this point, and he work well in this style of comedy. Byrne carries most of the weight by being perfectly unglamorous and unobtrusive. And Spencer, whose name has almost become synonymous with movies-with-a-message at this point, is always a joy to watch.

Brimming with over an hour of bonus content–like a number of making-of features, deleted and extended scenes, and a gag reel–this Blu-ray will guide you on the path to finding foster kids of your own or doing something similar to make a difference in the world.

"Instant Family"
Blu-ray Combo Pack $34.95
InstantFamilyMovie.com