Instant Family will bring the family together. Movie Rating 8 out of 10 Family Rating It is rated PG but does have some coarse language Recently there have been too few movies that I have been able to recommend for families to watch together but Instant Family fits the bill. It is a movie for families that addresses what makes a family and how we all want to be part of one. The story centres on a married couple, Pete and Ellie Wagner (Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne) who in their late 30's recognise that they have missed their prime for having children. Instead, they consider adopting and thus begins a story that puts the foster/adoption programme on display. The movie begins with Ellie and Pete attending an 8-week training programme run by Karen (Octavia Spencer) and Sharon (Tig Notaro) who bring some comedy to this phase with their diametrically opposed training techniques. Next stage is meeting their foster children, yes multiple, Lizzie, Juan and Lita with their various characteristics and traits. Without giving too much away we then follow their journey as they try to become a 'normal' family. For those who are a little older, this movie has an 'Uncle Buck' feel to it that has the right mix of comedy and tenderness. There were many scenes in which I laughed out loud as the characters acted out just as many familiar members of my own family. There were cringe-worthy 'foot in mouth' moments that we can appreciate as something our partner, our parents or unfortunately ourselves would say. As with any family, but possibly more with a blended family, there is the awkwardness of establishing boundaries, relationships and trust and of course the horrible fear of rejection or failure that at times will dog us. There is a large supporting cast of family members and other parents going through the adoption process that all help the movie to share its message. From the adult sibling rivalries and involvement of parents/grandparents, through to the reality of being sometimes relieved that others are coping even worse than yourself, this has at least a couple of scenarios that we can all relate to. Instant Family may be seen by some as a sugar-coated tale that glosses over the many challenges facing both children and adults in the foster/adoption programs. However, I felt that it shared with the audience some of the hardships that have to be overcome and the overwhelming joy that can come to those who face these challenges and are willing to stick it out. to the end.