While the Persons family characters have their funny moments, the storyline (and humor) takes a quick turn toward the upstaging Chuck Mitchell, Jr. (John C. McGinley). The man of many hats (literally) is first introduced as the realtor that shows the country house to the Persons', but we are soon to find out that Chuck is also a contractor, inspector, yoga master, and just about anything else that he needs to be should a situation arise. Seeing John C. McGinley's performance and ability to play what is essentially multiple characters (or split personalities, if you look at it that way), and to be able to switch between then at the turn of a hat is what sells me on this movie.
As the plot unfolds, we realize that Are We Done Yet? is essentially a modern-day version of The Money Pit (Tom Hanks, Shelley Long), because the Persons' new house becomes a complete disaster, rot with problems. The conflict in this movie is driven by Nick Persons' hatred toward Chuck, who first showed them the house as if nothing were wrong, then later tears it up when wearing his contractor hat. While Nick's wife and kids see the inner beauty of Chuck's personality, it is very hard for Nick not to blow up with all of the problems happening around him, from dry rot and electrical troubles, to trying to interview Magic Johnson for his magazine.
While Are We Done Yet? does have some humorous (sometimes hilarious) moments, it is a relatively generic family comedy. Being a family comedy, and being rated PG, if you don't expect any great masterpiece of art within the plastics of the DVD, you'll likely enjoy sitting down with the kids and laughing out loud at the antics of Chuck and the rest of the characters.
Are We Done Yet?'s Special Features really aren't all that special. Some DVDs on the market contain loads of insight into the behind the scenes action of the film, but this move's version of that is pretty lacking, unless you are a child. The "KIDing Around..." featurette has the two child actors with behind the scenes footage of Are We Done Yet?, while the blooper reel shares in some excess laughter. The Film Quiz is an entertaining bit that uses movie footage instead of the standard text-only quizzes on most DVDs. The featurette about Chuck is likely the most interesting, just like he is the most interesting character in the actual movie feature.
If you are looking for a funny film that the whole family can enjoy together, Are We Done Yet? may be the perfect film. Children will likely enjoy this film a lot, while adults may find less entertainment value contained within.
