Movie Review: A Family Affair

by

Despite a clever cast and good effort, this quirky comedy, reminiscent of “Fawlty Towers,” doesn’t quite come to life.

A Family Affair is a funny, fast-paced comedy inspired by classic 1970s shows like Fawlty Towers. The show centers on a quirky family trying to keep their struggling hotel from being foreclosed. The hotel is in bad shape and has a reputation as a somewhat dubious ‘spiritual retreat,’ and things get even more complicated when the owners’ parents’ 40th wedding anniversary falls right as the hotel is being put up for auction.

Things quickly go hilariously wrong in Fawlty Towers. The show’s success came from its fast-paced, chaotic humor, centered around a snobbish hotel owner who was desperate for customers but also overly critical of them. The comedy stemmed from poor management, embarrassing mistakes, and the constant clashes between the hotel owner’s bossy wife, a clumsy waiter, and the quirky long-term guests.

Though inspired by the premise of a family running a hotel, A Family Affair focuses on comedian Joe Wilkinson, who’s known for his classic style and dry wit. The show deliberately tones down his performance, avoiding the energetic style of John Cleese. This makes the series feel a little quiet, and it misses opportunities to fully utilize Wilkinson’s comedic timing by not creating enough tension. While Wilkinson is a promising lead, the show doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the comedy that inspired it.

The film feels more like a contemporary dark comedy, similar to Death at a Funeral, and uses a bolder, more suggestive style of humor. It delves into topics like drugs and sex toys, making for a very direct and sometimes crude tone. However, the combination of the charming English countryside setting and this raunchy humor doesn’t quite work. While the film convincingly portrays rural England – even though it was filmed in South Africa – it doesn’t manage to build a strong or consistent story.

“I suppose you’re wondering why we called this meeting?”

The show boasts a strong cast of experienced actors who deliver compelling performances. Joe Wilkinson plays Edward, a disheveled man seemingly unaware of his failing hotel and marriage. Laura Aikman is convincing as his patient wife, Helen, and she’s joined by talented actors like Jane Asher, Emmanuel Castis, Adrian Galley, and David Sherwood. Jazzara Jaslyn also shines as Jessica, a manipulative caregiver who sets her sights on Edward.

Even with some funny moments, the film doesn’t quite deliver on its comedic potential, and depending on the underlying drama feels like settling for less. The cast and idea are good, but the script falls short. While simple characters can work in shorter shows, they feel drawn out and make the movie feel shallow over a longer runtime. Without more developed characters, the film ultimately lacks depth.

Warren Fischer directs the film competently from a technical standpoint, but A Family Affair doesn’t quite succeed overall. While you can tell what the director was aiming for, the movie relies too heavily on obvious nudity and jokes, and the story doesn’t build enough tension. The actors are good and there are some charming scenes, but it never fully comes together as a truly funny comedy.

The bottom line: Subdued

Read More

2026-02-18 12:43