Search - Danielle Steel's: Family Album Parts 1 & 2 on DVD

All of which go to Joe Flanigan's chest hair...

Cristal D. Martinez | Chicago, IL USA | 02/28/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is pretty crappy. Wait, make that INSANELY crappy. I saw this on Lifetime years ago and I finally bought it a month ago. Ask me why. Go ahead, ask me. It's because Joe (Lionel) is the cutest thing ever. And he takes off his shirt. Exposing his chest hair. Yes, Joe Flanigan is so cute in this film he makes me forget my grammar skills. It's totally worth a couple bucks."

Ok...I guess.

Pinktulip | Chattanooga, TN United States | 02/09/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Just an FYI for those who have never seen this movie. The couple meet during WWII and fall in love. She is a movie star and soon becomes a director. Her husband is a serial adulterer and the ridiculous part is that she keeps taking him back even though she knows what he is like. The movie spans their life together including their children. One son, the favorite, is killed. The second son is gay and has to deal with his parents' disapproval. The oldest daughter is so desperate to make her mark in the movies, that she will play the sluttest parts imaginable to do it. It is only when her parents give her a chance as a strong, lead character in one of their movies that she begins to believe in her talent. (She also clashes with her co-star..you fill in the blanks.) Lastly, there is the youngest daughter. She runs away when she is in her early teens and comes home, pregnant. Her parents convince her that giving the baby up for adoption is the only solution. She deals with her resentment and falls in love with one of her best friend's father. (At least 30 yrs older than her.)
Like I said, it's an Ok movie, but not one of Danielle Steel's best. I would highly recommend DS's Palomino, Message From Nam, or Once in a Lifetime.
"

The Jewel in Danielle Steel's Crown

Linda Marshall | Orlando, Fl | 02/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm thrilled that Danielle Steel's: Family Album, is finally available on dvd in the U.S.

You will share in the emotions of this family's struggle to remain together through many of lifes obstacles."

3 Stars, But I Watch It Over and Over

Beckys | Great Plains, USA | 10/31/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Someone said "guilty pleasure" -- yes, that's how I feel, too. Not a great work of art, but some great moments. Biggest downside: I didn't feel Jaclyn Smith portrayed Faye as a strong enough woman to be the "first female director" (never saw the iron hand under the velvet glove).

Upside for her: She's great with the sensitive moment. The scenes where she changes her mind about taking Ward back, at the Santa Barbara house, are understated and beautifully played. Michael Ontkean was believable from young man to grandfather -- even if Ward's role in the story was more facilitator of plot progression than actual character.

Some of the best scenes: Big brother Lionel with a very young Anne at Christmas. Shy Lionel when he first encounters Paul. Nervous Lionel telling Faye that he's gay. Terrified Lionel when Ward finds him with his boyfriend. Resolute Lionel with Ward in the kitchen at Greg's funeral. Big brother Lionel with his funny but oh, such bad timing comment on Val's dress for the Oscars. Delighted Lionel when he & John arrive at the Santa Barbara house to surprise Faye. Devastated Lionel in the hospital with Faye & Ward. Gentle Lionel approaching Paul again. All done with the light Flanigan touch - no unnecessary histrionics there, just pure and true emotion. Whenever he came on screen, the other actors seemed to ramp up for some of the best scenes of the movie. He had a chemistry with each actor that seemed to challenge them to give a bit more, that put a little extra believability into their relationships.

The actresses that played Anne & Val were good, especially as they got older. I particularly liked Val's goodbye to her leading man after he dropped her off one night. Great chemistry, great moment. And Anne did a great job as the quiet child, with a fantastic moment in the garden with Faye towards the end. So much feeling in just a gaze! The casting director chose wisely, finding actors who could play younger than themselves as well as older -- I didn't feel the need for "suspension of disbelief."

The story itself had some holes where I felt like some important things had been left out, but hey, it was pretty long as it was. And now I'm off to read the book.

Overall, I'd recommend borrowing it if you want a good "movie of the week" chick flick ... and buy it if you are a fan of any of the actors. As a "great movie" I have to give it 3 stars, but for pure indulgence? Go for it.

"