Watch Family Obligations

Family Obligations is a heartwarming comedy-drama from 2019, directed by Kenneth R. Frank and starring Chris Mollica, Chandler Rosenthal, and Frank Failla. The film follows the story of Angelo (Chris Mollica), a young man who is forced to put his dreams on hold in order to take care of his elderly grandfather, Joseph (Frank Failla).

Joseph is a cantankerous old man who is fiercely independent and refuses to leave his home, despite his deteriorating health. Angelo, who is already going through a tough time in his personal and professional life, is forced to put his plans on hold and move in with Joseph to take care of him. The two men have a rocky start, as Joseph is not thrilled to have Angelo as his caregiver, but over time they begin to form a bond and develop a mutual respect for each other.

As Angelo tends to Joseph's needs, he also has to deal with his own personal issues. He is in a failing relationship with his girlfriend, Sara (Chandler Rosenthal), and struggles to find direction in his professional life. In addition, his brother, Tony (Salvatore Lucania), is constantly pressuring him to take over the family business, a failing restaurant that Tony has been running into the ground.

Throughout the film, Angelo tries to balance his family obligations with his own hopes and dreams. He finds solace in spending time with Joseph, who teaches him valuable life lessons and helps him find the strength to pursue his goals. In turn, Angelo brings joy and companionship to Joseph's life, helping him reconnect with old friends and rediscover his love for music.

Family Obligations is a touching and humorous film that explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery. The performances by the cast are excellent, particularly Chris Mollica, who delivers a nuanced and relatable portrayal of a young man struggling to find his place in the world. Frank Failla is also outstanding as the grumpy but lovable Joseph, and the chemistry between the two actors is a highlight of the film.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, as the film captures the beauty and charm of New York City's Little Italy neighborhood, where the story takes place. The use of music is also cleverly woven into the film, with Joseph's love for opera and Angelo's interest in hip-hop serving as a metaphor for the generational divide between the two characters.

Overall, Family Obligations is a delightful and heartfelt film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt torn between their family responsibilities and their own aspirations. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of finding joy and purpose in life.

Family Obligations is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.