A very charming portrayal of the ups and downs of the foster/adoption process. As someone that knows people that have gone through this process I can say this movie helps show the hardships of the process (although the movie is still a tad idealistic). It lets people know that while rewarding, its not all good times and it's not something you should embark on just to feel good about yourself and especially **not** on a whim like Pete and Ellie. Nevertheless it's a great message to bring perspective about this issue to a big audience.

As for the movie itself the leads are all fantastic. Mark and Rose have great chemistry and actually feel like a couple. Isabela does a great job at playing what is a essentially a cliche teenager but with the added jadedness of someone that's been through some shit and is not just being an asshole for no reason. The younger actors are fantastic (holy shit that little girl can shrill). Tig and Octavia do a fantastic job providing needed comic relief at times while also doing the harder drama parts well too.

Once niche point I'll give this movie is those sweeeet wipe transitions. They felt very satisfying for some reason. Just another example that VFX are not just used on big action blockbusters.

Major kudos to Sean Anders for directing a great mix of comedy and drama while delivering a heartwarming family film with great wit and pacing. 8/10