Instant Family

Mark Wahlberg flexes his comedy chops rather than his muscles in a foster-kids comedy that stems from the real-life adoption experiences of its director, Sean Anders. Wahlberg and Rose Byrne play a busy-bee married couple whose biological clocks are ticking, but who haven't the time for all the hassles of pregnancy and childbirth. So they decide to foster. But, instead of the one kid they'd planned on, they wind up with three Hispanic siblings, including rebellious teenager Lizzy (Isabela Moner). Much parental chaos ensues. Wahlberg isn't a natural comic; he has to work hard, and you can tell. Byrne is more comfortable. But it's Moner, playing a three-dimensional role among relative cut-outs, who steals the show. It may prove too predictable and saccharine for some, but the film's warm heart and blatant pro-adoption message will make it a feel-good treat for others.