What a Wonderful Family came out with a sequel last year. I didn't think that the first film would get a sequel. The thought never crossed my mind. I'm not even sure if I made a post about the first film. My memories of that time are kind of hazy but Yamada Yoji returns to the director chair with Hiramatsu Emiko co-writing the script, while Hashizume Isao, Yoshiyuki Kazuko, Nishimura Masahiko, Natsukawa Yui, Hayashiya Shozo, Nakajima Tomoko, Tsumabuki Satoshi, and, Aoi Yui reprise their roles from the first film. The film also did fairly well in the Japanese box-office as it debuted in the top ten at fifth place last year.
I originally watched the film for Satoshi kinda like I always mention when this guy is in a film that I wouldn't watch normally. After I saw that Yui was also in this film, she became my second reason for viewing What a Wonderful Family 2. The film consists of a plot that tells the lives of a normal contemporary Japanese family. This family revolves around the grandfather whether the family members want to or not. The first film dealt with the conflict of the grandparents divorcing after being together for many years. Biggest gag about that conflict was that the grandmother was the one who wanted to separate[INSERT ME LAUGHING.]. Our sequel comes in at a even pace that symbolizes the day to day actions of a family. You know what to expect then you suddenly don't. Each family member attempts to live their best life everyday but their overly spunky elder won't quiet down to save his life. Most of the film talks about the grandfather maybe giving up his driving license solely based on the fact that he is too old to be driving. If you watched the first film, you and I know that he isn't the kind of character to listen to anybody. Much less give in to any demand quietly. Slap stick humor comes from the families interactions during their grapple with the grandfather. Best quality about this film is that there's a hint of humor that doesn't overplay itself out. Giggles are earned based on the film's realistic take on family comedy. What's funny is how relatable the humor is for viewers. Even if you're not of the culture presented. Events in the latter half of the film won't be easily foreseen which makes the conflict all the more juicy as it unfolds on screen. I enjoyed the second film more than the first one overall. Everything in the script was a bit more engaging this time around. Family drama never looked so vibrant.
All the actors and actresses's performances bounce off of each other perfectly. This is a film that has a big chunk of content to do with conversation. Each person has a certain energy in their characters that embodies the scenes in What a Wonderful Family 2. Most viewers will enjoy the scenes of the whole family together. The teaser trailer for this film is so epically funny too, by the way. Hashizume Isao rules as the best thing that happened to these first two films. Without this veteran, there would be no spark for the other talents to build their performances off of.
A scene dealing with popcorn was the most standout scene to me. I won't go into detail of how popcorn got involved but it ends up in a furnace. This scene was done so precisely with the classical background music and it playing in time with the popping of the popcorn.
What a Wonderful Family 2 is a great film for the whole family to watch. The film does a good job of just being a feel good family film. No pressure, just fun.
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