When it comes to "The Family Stone", there seems to be a divide among viewers. Some have either forgotten its existence or held a strong dislike for it from the start. I was once in the latter group. But after revisiting it, I discovered a different side to this movie.

Knowing What The Stone Family Is Going Through Adds So Much Context

During my first watch of "The Family Stone", I was puzzled by the Stone family's behavior towards Meredith Morton. However, in the final part of the movie, we learn that Sybil was sick with cancer and dying, which was her final Christmas. This newfound context transforms the movie from a cranky Christmas tale to a stirring drama about a family facing tragedy. It shows that their rudeness and meanness were a result of their overwhelming stress. 1: The family's actions towards Meredith initially seemed unjust and unkind. But when we know the reason behind their behavior, it becomes understandable. Sybil's illness and the impending loss of their matriarch put a lot of strain on the family. This understanding makes us empathize with them more. 2: It's amazing how a simple piece of information can change our perception of a movie. The knowledge that Sybil was dying added a whole new layer of depth to the story. It made us see the family's struggles in a different light and appreciate the movie on a deeper level.

Though The Movie Is Still Nerve-Racking, It’s Not As Bad The Second Time Around

Like many movies with complex family dynamics, "The Family Stone" is nerve-wracking. Even on the second watch, it's impossible to watch without crying. But this time, it's not as bad as the first time. Scenes like the tense family dinner still make us cringe, but they don't have the same impact. 1: The family's united front against Meredith can be a bit much at times, but knowing when and why these moments occur makes the experience more bearable. We can see that their actions are driven by their emotions and the situation they are in. 2: While the ending is still heartbreaking, knowing how everything turns out helps to soften the blow. It allows us to process the emotions better and appreciate the movie as a whole."The Family Stone" is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime. It's a movie that combines sadness, sentimentality, and humor. If you haven't given it a chance yet, I highly recommend giving it another go. It's a story that will touch your heart and make you think about family in a new way.