The Family Man

Jack's lavish, fast-paced lifestyle changes one Christmas night when he stumbles into a grocery store holdup and disarms the gunman. The next morning he wakes up in bed lying next to Kate, his college sweetheart he left in order to pursue his career, and to the horrifying discovery that his former life no longer exists. As he stumbles through this alternate suburban universe, Jack finds himself at a crossroad where he must choose between his high-power career and the woman he loves.

Critics found the film earnest and overly schmaltzy, while broadly agreeing that Nicolas Cage and Téa Leoni provide sincere romantic chemistry and holiday warmth.

• Jack Campbell awakens in a reality where he stayed with Kate instead of pursuing his London career opportunity.
• Jack's Ferrari, executive career, and investment-house status are contrasted with marriage, children, and ordinary family routines.
• The story unfolds during the Christmas period and uses holiday warmth to heighten Jack's reconsideration of his priorities.
• Jack, accustomed to being a wealthy single executive, must navigate life as Kate's husband and a father of two in New Jersey.

• It's a Wonderful Lifeshared Christmas setting, magical life-switch premise, sentimental second-chance romance, and moral emphasis on family over wealth
• The Holidayshared alternate-life fantasy, romantic regret, domestic transformation, and warm holiday tone
• 13 Going on 30shared magical realism, relationship-centered self-discovery, and emotionally accessible romantic comedy-drama
• Clickshared fantasy premise, workaholic protagonist, family priorities, and feel-good emotional resolution

Director

Brett Ratner

Release Date

2000-12-12

Runtime

125 min

Rating

6.8 / 10 (2317)

What is The Family Man about?

A wealthy bachelor is forced to inhabit the family life he once abandoned and discovers that emotional richness cannot be measured by career success.

What is The Family Man like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Family Man as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is The Family Man violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Family Man.

What did critics think of The Family Man?

Critics found the film earnest and overly schmaltzy, while broadly agreeing that Nicolas Cage and Téa Leoni provide sincere romantic chemistry and holiday warmth.

Which films are like The Family Man?

Films with a similar feel include It's a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, 13 Going on 30, and Click.

How long is The Family Man?

The Family Man runs 125 minutes.

Where can I watch The Family Man?

In United States, The Family Man streams on Hulu, Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus.