MovieChat Forums > The Family Man (2000) Discussion > This is why I didn't like this movie

This is why I didn't like this movie


Well, not exactly "didn't like the movie", as it was pretty good for what it is, but moreso the "message" of the movie.
Now, Jack was a career man, he made lots of money, he wanted more money, BUT, as opposed to other movies portraying such a character as a bad person, Jack was portrayed as a good one. Perhaps not give-all-i-have-to-charity good, but he was not mean, he was polite, and he even helped out at the conv.store. And when that "spirit" (or whatever it was) asked him about his life, instead of bitching like "Yeah, I'm rich but I still want this and that", he said "I'm good, I got all I need".
So, instead of Jack being rewarded for being a good, grounded, successful person, he gets "punished" for not wanting a family? WTF? According to this movie, you must want a family, otherwise you're bad? If you just want your career, you're not hurting anyone (outside of business of course), and you're happy and satisfied, you're still considered bad cause you don't want to have a family?
This is plain *beep* It's one thing to try and get the message through that you shouldn't be mean, or rude, or in general a bad person. That's good. But trying to force family values down the audience throats is ridiculous.

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it is a family Christmas movie, so it wouldn't make sense for it to be about finding fulfillment in other lifestyle choices.

i don't think it's trying to preach family values, it's just telling a story about a guy who made a choice and what life would have been like had he chosen to stay with the girl - a "glimpse". also, he is later given a second chance to be with her, because he passed the "test" (perhaps if he had proceeded with the affair, or done some other thing inconsistent with their relationship, he would have had his life back and no second chance).

of course it is a family friendly Christmas holiday film, that's the audience for it.



"If you love Jesus Christ and are 100% proud of it copy this and make it your signature!"

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Why do films like this paint people who are single, have a career of some sort are really sad and lonely peole who want a family with kids and all?

I am single, 33, have a house two dogs and a career and I know I don't want a family cause I know that I am not fit for being a mother and wife.

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