Instant Family
When Pete and Ellie decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small child but when they meet three siblings, including a rebellious 15 year old girl, they find themselves speeding from zero to three kids overnight.
Critics Sentiment
Lita calls Pete Daddy and Juan calls Ellie Mommy
Judge awards custody to Carla at the court hearing
The film drops dramatically from the emotional high of family bonding to the devastating court custody loss, a swing of 4.3 points.
Critics found Instant Family to be a heartwarming and authentic portrayal of foster care that successfully balances comedy with genuine emotion. While some reviewers noted tonal inconsistencies and forced conflict in the middle act, most praised the strong performances, especially from the child actors, and the film's ability to earn its emotional moments. The sentiment arc follows the family's journey from initial chaos to deep connection, stumbling through some contrived drama before reaching a satisfying and moving conclusion.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 56
Mark Wahlberg
Pete Wagner
Rose Byrne
Ellie Wagner
Allyn Rachel
Kim
Isabela Merced
Elizabeth “Lizzy” Viara
Julie Hagerty
Jan
Tig Notaro
Sharon
Octavia Spencer
Karen
Gustavo Escobar
Juan Viara
Margo Martindale
Sandy Wagner
Julianna Gamiz
Lita Viara
Tom Segura
Russ
Britt Rentschler
Linda
Michael O'Keefe
Jerry
Jody Thompson
Jim
Iliza Shlesinger
October Ross Jennings
Gary Weeks
Dirk McCann
Joy Jacobson
Dana McCann
Hampton Fluker
Kit
Randy Havens
Michael
Andrea Anders
Jessie
Crew
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