In Hollywood, the industry’s very particular rules of math state that two attractive movie stars should result in at least a semblance of onscreen chemistry. It’s worked for all kinds of bizarre pairings, and it should have worked for Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron, teaming up in A Family Affair for the second time. Kidman is a skilled actor with incredible range and a willingness to take risks on potentially bad projects, and Efron is chiseled, talented and always game for ridiculous comedic scenes centered on self-ridicule. Although separately magnetic and successful in 2012’s The Paperboy, together here the actors fumble for any draw.

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A FAMILY AFFAIR ★1/2 (1.5/4 stars)
Directed by: Richard LaGravenese
Written by: Carrie Solomon
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Joey King, Kathy........

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