New to Netflix from today is the French fantasy comedy, Family Pack (aka Loups-Garous). Directed and co-written by François Uzan, and inspired by the game, The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow, the movie stars Franck Dubosc, Suzanne Clément, and Jean Reno, and follows the story of a family who find themselves trapped in a game.
In the movie, Jérôme and his family are visiting his somewhat cantankerous father, Gilbert. During the visit, Jérôme attempts to get everyone to partake in a medieval board game about werewolves and wizards.
Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, Jérôme can’t get the game off the ground, with every member of his family keen to do something else instead. As such, Jérôme is forced to accept defeat and he begins to pack away the game.
At that very moment, the house begins to shake, causing everyone to head down to the basement for safety. A few moments later they resurface, but suddenly everything has changed.
Jérôme and his entire family have been transported back in time to 1497 – the same time period as the board game. Here werewolves and wizards exist, and the family must figure out a way to get home.
Playing out a bit like a blend of Jumanji and Dungeons & Dragons, Family Pack is an inoffensive fantasy romp aimed squarely at a family audience. There’s nothing in here that’s particularly too dark or menacing (despite the werewolves) and some might find it enjoyable enough for a one-time watch with the kids.
However, while Family Pack is fine in places, and it’s clear everyone involved is trying to make this a likeable picture, it is largely underwhelming stuff. The characters go through the motions, the comedy is never particularly funny, and nothing much happens.
Family Pack is watchable, yet it is quite forgettable. The film tries and this counts for something (it really does), but it never succeeds in the way it intends to and this is a shame.
On the plus side, Jean Reno is always worth a watch and he proves to be on fine form as grandfather, Gilbert. Likewise, Franck Dubosc is good as Jérôme, and when Jérôme develops the ability to hear his family’s thoughts (an aspect of the game) there is some fun to be had.
There is also some enjoyment to be gleamed from the setting, and the family’s attempts to return home. Plus, this is a blended family, with children from previous marriages, and there is something pleasant about seeing everyone working together, after initially being reluctant to spend quality time with each other back in 2024.
So, while the film may not tick all the boxes, it certainly gives things a go. The film’s biggest issues tend to revolve around a lacklustre script, but it’s far from a disaster and parts work fine.
Ultimately, Family Pack is OK. It’s sadly nothing special, and it never goes as big or as adventurous as it needs to (despite what the trailers suggest), but it’s watchable enough.
As with many films that end up on Netflix, there’s a sense it will all be forgotten by next week, but it may plug a gap for now. That said, it could and should be better.
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