By Jaelynn Shelton – Staff Reporter 

The drama/comedy film “Instant Family” was released on November 16, 2108. The film is about a couple who decides they want kids, but instead of having their own they decide to foster. 

The film features Mark Wahlberg as Pete Wagner, the dad and husband of the group. His wife is played by the amazingly funny Rose Byrne as Ellie Wagner. They both play a convincing role as foster parents who grow to love the kids as their own. 

Initially they believed that fostering children is not that bad; they thought of it as another thing to do in order to improve their lives. Unfortunately, they had no idea what having kids was like especially seeing how they gained three overnight, one which was a teenager. 

The craziness began and both Pete and Ellie had no clue what they were doing. But then again does any parent know what to do when they first start off? Over time, the family began to make a routine, and grew closer. 

Lizzy Viara is played by actress Isabela Moner. Lizzy plays the role of the older, more protective older sister, who watches over her siblings, and supports them. The younger siblings are played by Julianna Gamiz as Lita and Gustavo Quiroz Jr. as Juan. 

Both Lizzy and Ellie try and build that mother-daughter connection. Lizzy tries to adapt to the new idea of having a steady home and being with people who love her. So she attempts to push them both away. They always come back and prove that they weren’t leaving. 

The children’s mom eventually comes into the picture and tries to fight for custody. At this point it seems like the only one who still wants to be with their biological mother is Lizzy, which is understandable, due to the fact that she is older and has more connections and memories with their biological mom. The two younger kids have already grown attached to their foster parents, and don’t want to leave. 

Court hearings are made, and the biological mom wins custody of the children. When the day comes for the children to go with her, it is clear that she is not coming. Therefore leaving Lizzy the oldest heartbroken, as she believes she has no one by her side. Except that’s not true – her foster parents become her family. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars