What Makes a Family

January. 22,2001      
Rating:
6.5
Trailer Synopsis Cast

Janine and Sandy are a lesbian couple who decide to have a baby, but after a few years Sandy dies. This tragedy is exploited by Sandy's parents to snatch the girl from Janine's care. But then, and despite having the laws against her, Janine decides to fight in order to regain custody of her daughter.

Brooke Shields as  Janine Nielssen
Cherry Jones as  Sandy Cataldi
Whoopi Goldberg as  Terry Harrison
Anne Meara as  Evelyn Cataldi
Al Waxman as  Frank Cataldi
Jordy Benattar as  Heather Cataldi
Stewart Arnott as  Peter
Joanne Vannicola as  Melissa
Roberta Maxwell as  Claire

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Reviews

Lovesusti
2001/01/22

The Worst Film Ever

... more
Invaderbank
2001/01/23

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

... more
mraculeated
2001/01/24

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

... more
Winifred
2001/01/25

The movie is made so realistic it has a lot of that WoW feeling at the right moments and never tooo over the top. the suspense is done so well and the emotion is felt. Very well put together with the music and all.

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JowySiren
2001/01/26

I love the idea of this movie. I love the fact that a lesbian fought tooth and nail keep the child and won in a State where they'd sooner give a child to a murderer than a gay person. Way to go! Nice to see the issue come up.Two women, Sandra and Janine get married(despite the fact that it's illegal to do that) and Sandra has a child through artificial insemination. Sometime later, Sandra develops lupus and dies. Her parents try to take the girl away from Janine. In response, she fights to the bone despite the overwhelming odds against her. She's able to convince a very conservative, but ultimately fair judge that she is worthy of keeping the child.Certainly gives you the impression that you can fight the State and win. If you have the money to do so, of course. Anyway, I do think the movie is fairly decent, but I found myself gagging at some of the overt sentiment and some of what was in the movie seemed too artificial. I don't how to describe it, but it seemed that way.It's worth seeing at least once and it does a great job in showing just how ridiculous anti-gay laws are, especially in Florida.

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Mary Scott
2001/01/27

Just thinking of this movie brings tears to my eyes. It was beautifully done. I admit before the movie I thought lesbiens and homosexuals had no business having children. In two short hours my opinion changed. This movie was so beautiful and it showed me it doesn't matter what your sexual preference is. Love is love. Period. I'm outraged that Florida is so backwards. They need to get with the program.This movie is about a lesbien couple, Sandra Cataldi and Janine Nielson. Sandra, who's a dog trainer, comes from a loving middle class class family. Janine, a nurse, comes from a cold, uncaring wealthy family. She has a poor self image until she starts dating Sandra. During their relationship, she really comes into her own. Shortly after their "wedding" they decide to have a child. Sandra gets pregnant through artifical insemination. Her parents are thrilled. Janine's are not. Everything is wonderful until Sandra is diagnosed with lupas. Through the whole ordeal, her parents were warm and loving. That changed after her death. After that, Sandra's parents take the child away and Janine must fight for her child. I was holding my breath until the end. Although I was rooting for Janine, the movie doesn't make you do that. They make it so you understand both sides, which is something I loved. This movie will make you laugh and cry. Well done Brooke, Cherry, Anne, and Sandra's father and daughter.

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liebchen45
2001/01/28

This was a wonderful movie and Brooke Shields has done a fantastic job. It even brought tears to my husbands eyes as well. The little girl in the movie was beautiful and already an excellent actress. I wonder if anyone can help me. The song, I think it was called, "As long as you love me", does anyone know who sang it? I would love to have a copy of it.

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rainchiquita
2001/01/29

I don't know what words there are to say about this movie that can begin to describe how I felt while watching it. From the brilliant script to the acting done by Brooke Shields, her partner, the adorable little girl, and everyone else, I was moved in a way that no other movie I have seen has affected me. I still cannot stop crying and it ended fifteen minutes ago... everyone, especially those who are cynical of domestic partnerships and their competence as parents, should see this movie. I was so happy to hear that it was based on a true story- how wonderful!! I only wish that I could contact the real Janine, and praise and thank her for being such a role model and pioneer in a controversial area that so desperately needs widespread recognition. Kudos to Barbra Streisand, Whoopi Goldberg, Cis Corman, Brooke Shields, and everyone involved in the production of this movie for their courage and integrity.

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