'Family Pack' Reviews: "an ideal movie for families with younger viewers"

         On October 23, 2024, Netflix released 'Family Pack', which has earned predominantly positive reviews from critics. In the film, "When an old card game comes to life, a family travels back in time and lands in a medieval village where they must unmask werewolves in order to return to their own time." The ensemble cast includes Franck Dubosc, Jean Reno, Jonathan Lambert, Suzanne Clément, and Grégory Fitoussi. Read the full review round-up below.

        LaNeysha Campbell of But Why Tho? A Geek Community says, "Performance-wise, the cast creates believable chemistry to enhance their family unit, which is essential for the film since family dynamics and relationships are at its heart. The story tries to balance some heavier issues but does not dive too deeply into its characters’ emotional arcs. It does enough to make the audience stay intrigued and care about them." Adding, "Visually, Family Pack does a decent job creating its medieval village set and costume designs. While the special effects aren’t groundbreaking, the werewolf transformations are impressive, but not all hold the same quality throughout the film. Despite its werewolf-themed adventure, the film keeps the tone light and fun for the most part. There is some violence but nothing too graphic or explicit, making it an ideal movie for families with younger viewers."

       Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting notes, "The plot is predictably wholesome. But it’s also so cozy and earnest with a mature depth of emotion lurking beneath that it’s hard not to leave this werewolf adventure with a big grin and likely a few tears shed." Continuing, "Also refreshing is the way Uzan doesn’t skimp on the werewolves. While the filmmaker does employ some VFX, both with the werewolves and the family’s unique abilities, the werewolves are largely practical. Don’t expect any serious bloodletting or horror, though; this is a medieval romp through and through. They get a few scenic moments to raise the proverbial stakes for the family, but time, thematically, is the bigger threat to the family. Time always is, isn’t it? For as much that’s heavy-handed about Family Pack‘s sense of humor, that humor belies a depth of emotion about the family unit that’s growing up in ways that can’t be stopped. It’s that sincerity and warmth, along with a charming cast and wonderful production design, that breathes life into a seemingly rote board game adaptation. The jokes are appropriately silly for the target demographic, and its plot is predictably wholesome. But it’s also so cozy and earnest with a mature depth of emotion lurking beneath that it’s hard not to leave this werewolf adventure with a big grin and likely a few tears shed."

        

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