Great fathers in movies

Happy Father's Day!

I found a great article about fathers in movies I wanted to share in honor of Father's Day today!

Dads are sometimes manhandled in movies — depicted as absent, neglectful, or comically inept. They can be relegated to grim portrayals in films like The Great Santini (1979) or This Boy’s Life (1993), where fatherhood is all about intimidation. Life with these fathers would make for a very disturbing Rockwell painting. I think it’s patently unfair for a few movie dads to cast a poor light on men that work hard to be affectionate, considerate, and above all, always there for the family. Like me. So, as Sunday is Dad’s day, let’s show him (or his memory) some love, respect, and affection. Just once, for your father, take his advice, thank your mother, chew with your mouth closed, stop making that face, finish your chores without any sass-back, and stick to one of these father-friendly films.

 Bicycle Thieves (1948)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: Faced with unemployment in economically depressed post-war Italy, Antonio Ricci (Roberto Maggiorani) does all he can to provide for his family. With his adorable son Bruno (Enzo Staiola) in tow, Ricci tirelessly works to retrieve his stolen bicycle (a necessary means of conveyance for his new job). Ricci’s quiet determination and desire to be a role model shines through here — in the end, at least he and Bruno have each other.

Father of the Bride (1950)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: A daughter getting married can be overwhelming for anyone. Ask Stanley T. Banks (Spencer Tracy), a proud, stand-up father whose life (and wallet) get turned upside down by the impending nuptials of his beloved daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor). Despite his frustrations with the next generation, Mr. Banks just wants the best for his little girl, who now seems so grown up.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: Atticus “Dead-Eye” Finch (Gregory Peck) is the paragon of single fatherhood. He can shoot and kill a mad dog at twenty paces, and his gentlemanly southern stoicism is a living, breathing clinic in “teach-by-example” parenting. By defending a wrongly-accused black man in the racist South, he shows his young ones life’s most valuable lesson: What’s right isn’t always easy.

The Sound of Music (1965)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) likes an orderly household where his kids respond to a whistle like Rin Tin Tin, but when problem-nanny Maria (Julie Andrews) brings the magic of music into the home, he changes his tune. It’s not every father that could foil the Nazis and then lead his band of seven children to win a singing contest before climbing every mountain over the Austrian Alps to freedom.

The Godfather (1972)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: If he bends the rules a bit in his business dealings — it’s all for the good of his family. Say what you will about the commercial ethics of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his “olive oil importing company” — he loves his children. I dare any dad to stay dry-eyed when, after the murder of his boy Sonny (James Caan), Don Vito breaks down in front of the funeral director saying, “Look how they massacred my boy!” That’s some fatherly devotion (and stellar acting chops).

Kramer Vs. Kramer (1979)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: After his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) leaves him flat, workaholic father Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) steps up to embrace fatherhood and learn the importance of little things — like how to make french toast in a tiny NYC apartment kitchen. When Joanna returns seeking custody, Ted fights with everything he’s got to keep his son.

Boyz in the Hood (1991)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: Jason “Furious” Styles (Laurence Fishburne) is doing his best to raise his son Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr.) in the roughest part of a gang-torn L.A. neighborhood. If anyone knows about fatherhood and teaching strength of character it’s Mr. Styles — as he says: “Only a real man can raise his children.”

Life is Beautiful (1997)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: We all want to make the world a better place for our children, but Guido (Roberto Benigni) goes further than most to do just that. To shield his little boy Joshua (Giorgio Cantarini) from the terrors of the Holocaust, he convinces him that their extended stay in a WWII concentration camp is a just a game where the winner is awarded a thrilling grand prize: a tank! Putting a brave face on every dark element to spare his son, we are almost convinced he’s found a way to believe the story himself.

O Brother, Where Art Thou (2000)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: Everett McGill (George Clooney) is the “dang paterfamilias” who will stop at nothing to be reunited with his daughters — the darling musical Wharvey Girls. The chains of prison, a cyclops, sirens, hell or high water (quite literally in the form of a flood) may get in his way, but no suitor is going to take his place.

Finding Nemo (2003)  

Why He’s a Great Movie Dad: Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) is not very funny for a clown fish, but he’s a determined little bugger, racing across the ocean to rescue his lucky-finned little one, Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould). Along the way he learns something about fatherhood and friendship, as well as how old (and wise) turtles can be.

Finding Dory has the "Awwww" factor

Movie Title:        Finding Dory

  

Grade:   A

Rating:     PG, 100 minutes

In a Nutshell:   The feels!  The first line of the movie that you hear comes out of the sweet little mouth of Dory when she was a toddler, causing every female in the audience to gasp, “Awwwww!”  My teenage son leaned over to me and said, “This is going to be a long movie.”  Ha ha   Later, he admitted he really did like the movie, even more than he thought he would.

This heartwarming Pixar sequel is perfect for all ages. It’s risky to feature a supporting character from a previous movie (Finding Nemo), but it works great in this film.  Dory is adorable, lovable. and easily carries her own movie.  

One of the best parts of seeing this movie is watching the ADORABLE animated short before Finding Dory!  The animation is AMAZING!  Sooooo cute!  Awwwww!

Uplifting theme: 

•  “You can do whatever you put your mind to.”  - Jenny (Dory’s mom, played by Diane Keaton!)
• During the final credits, the screen says, “The film is dedicated to all our families – of every kind.  You keep us swimming.”    Families come in all shapes and sizes.
• “The best things happen by chance.” – Dory
• “There’s always a way.” – Dory
• We often don’t know who we are and what our talents are.  Let’s help each other by sharing kind words with one another.
• “Just keep swimming.” – Jenny (Dory’s mother)
• While the title makes you believe someone is trying to find Dory, SHE is the one looking to find someone…her parents.  On her journey, she finds herself.
• Mr. Ray (Bob Peterson) teaches the school children about instinct and describes it as “the song you always know.”  We all have a natural desire to go home.
• Respect for ocean life.

Things I liked:

• Ellen DeGeneres is wonderful as Dory.
• Keep watching during the post credits to see Hank doing silly things.  Then, keep watching until after ALL of the credits for a fun surprise.
• I love the last line of the movie and the song that follows.  Marlin looks out over the drop and sighs, “It really is quite a view.”  Dory agrees, “Yep.  Unforgettable.”  Then, the ridiculously talented Sia sings “Unforgettable.”  Perfect.
• Two of the “dads” from Modern Family voice characters in this film:  Ed O’Neill (Hank) and Ty Burrell (Bailey).
• John Ratzenberger is a Pixar icon.   
• Some of the small roles are voiced by BIG talents such as Eugene Levy, Idris Elba, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Willem Dafoe, and two SNL comedians -  Kate McKinnon and Bill Hader.
• You’ll never see sea shells in the ocean the same way again.
• Becky!
• It’s interesting that this film doesn’t really have a classic villain, other than the dangerous situations Dory and the characters find themselves in.  Nevertheless, it works. Very well.
• I love it when Dory talks in her sleep.  This time she says, “Give me the ratchet wrench.  I can fix it.”  It’s another insight into her character that she always wants to fix situations, despite her disability.
• The colors and textures are rich.  The movement under the sea is so realistic that you really feel like you’re in the ocean.

Things I didn’t like:

• I adore Albert Brooks as Marlin and was sad he wasn’t utilized more in the movie.  Still, he has some poignant moments.

· I cried in Finding Nemo.  I’ve seen the movie a bunch of times and still cry when I watch it.  SPOILER ALERT: The reunion moment should have had me bawling, but it ended so quickly that I hardly had a chance to tear up.

·  Did you notice the Coke product placement?  Do those every bug you?

Funny lines:

• "Nobody saw Dory?  That’s a lot of eyeballs doing nothing!” - Hank
• “Suck it Bypeds.” – Hank
• “Everybody does it.  Nothing to be ashamed of.” – Dory, after Hank “inks”
• “Follow me!” – Dory

“You’re in a cup…” – Hank

• “My life’s a rainbow!” – Bailey
• “I don't have a problem with crazy.” – Dory

“You know, I could see that.” – Hank

• “You lost a tentacle?  Then, you’re not an octopus; you’re a septimus. I can count.” – Dory
• “Cuddle party! I’m in!” – Dory
• “Hey dude, if you’re gonna hurl, could you do me a solid and head to the back of the shell and lean out and go for distance?” - Crush
• “We see the undertow and we say…” – Charlie (Dory’s dad)

“Let’s go!” – Dory

• “Righteous!” – Crush (Andrew Stanton, who is also one of the directors and writers of the movie!)

Tips for parents:   

• There is an awkward/funny “when 2 fish love each other” speech Dory begins to give to young children when she thinks she’s supposed to teach “that” class.
• Children (and parents) with any kind of disability will find comfort and inspiration as we watch Dory deal with her short-term “rememory loss.”  The topic is handled very respectfully in the movie.
• Very young children might be frightened by the idea that it’s so easy to get lost from your parents.  Watching the movie can spark an important conversation with your little ones about how to deal with separation, as well as emergencies.
• There is an important lesson for parents to let their children do things for themselves.

Eddie the Eagle jumps to DVD

                                          AVAILABLE ON DVD June 14

               

Movie Title:      Eddie The Eagle  

Grade:   A

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 45 minutes

In a Nutshell:    With big heart and a sense of humor, Eddie the Eagle has now landed on DVD.  If you missed it at the theater, now is your chance to watch this feel-good, underdog sports movie that will make you cry, laugh, and soar.

Just a few days before the 2002 Winter Olympics in SLC, Utah, I went to Park City to watch the pre-Olympic trials in men's ski jumping and freestyle aerial skiing.  It was one of the coolest things I have ever seen (pun intended).  So, raise your glass of milk to toast to a great film and a triumphant moment of human spirit.

Uplifting theme: 

• There is something truly special about those who have big dreams and believe in themselves.
• Don’t ever believe anyone who says you aren’t “Olympic material” or “college material” or any kind of material.  They don't know what you can really do.
• “A true Olympian is not just about a God-given skill set.  It’s about not ever giving up, no matter what.” – Warren Sharp
• “Doing your best is the only option, even if it results in failure.” – Warren Sharp
• “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not the winning, but the taking part.  The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle.” – Pierre De Coubertin, Founder of the Olympic Games, 1896

Things I liked:

• Wow, what a lesson in tenacity and perseverance.  I give up way too easily.
• Eddie’s mother, played by Jo Hartley,  is so sweet and supportive.  I hope I'm that kind of mother.
• I love the glass stain on the tablecloth in the beginning of the movie in the shape of the Olympic rings. 
• The boys who play Eddie when he was younger are adorable and brothers in real life.  (Tom Costello, Jack Costello)
• You see a LOT of terrible and funny falls.  I truly admire anyone who is that determined.
• I love that Eddie doesn’t drink alcohol.  It’s refreshing to see a protagonist in movies nowadays who isn’t a wise-cracking, egotistical drunk.  I was sad when he succommed to peer pressure.
• I love Australian hunk Hugh Jackman.  He can do it all.  Did you know his character is actually fiction?  There was no Bronson Peary who coached Eddie.
• How did they film some of those jumping scenes?!  Green screens?  If so, they did a really great job.  It's all very believable.
• You get to see some of the old footage from the 1988 Calgary Olympics.
• The Olympic crowds loved him and movie audiences do too.  Of course, the movie is entirely predictable, but I still weeped tears of joy.
• I love that Eddie was able to be happy for other people’s accomplishments and not let those who beat him take joy away from his own personal triumphs.  We can all learn a lesson from his example.
• Christopher Walken plays a small role, but is great and has a powerful moment.
• You get to see some pictures of the real Michael "Eddie the Eagle" Edwards at the end of the movie.  Since the Olympics, he has gone on to compete and win in several celebrity British reality TV shows, still a fan favorite. Taron Egerton portrays him well in the film and even includes Eddie's famous under bite.

Things I didn’t like:

• It's very predictable and full of cliche's, but it still tugs at all of the right strings on your heart.
• There is a comparison between sex and ski jumping that is inappropriate for children.

Funny lines:

•  “It’s not like I’m taking up ballet.  It’s still skiing, just higher.” – Eddie
• “He’s going to break his neck!” – Jeanette Edwards

“Ah, I’M going to break his neck!” - Target Edwards

• “Any tips then?” – Eddie

“Don’t die.” – Bronson Peary 

Tips for parents:   

• There is some profanity, but not much.
• There is a scene with a bunch of naked men in a sauna.  They all have strategically-placed items so you don’t see any “naughty bits.”  It’s actually a funny scene.
• There is a When Harry Met Sally sex scene when Hugh Jackman makes sound effects and facial expressions that are inappropriate for children.
• Bo Derrick is mentioned quite a few times in the movie.  Kids won’t know who she is. She was a popular, sexy actress in the 80’s.  She is still beautiful today and makes occasional movie and TV appearances.

If you loved this heartwarming Olympic film, you'll also love:

         

Warcraft movie is job security for my son

Movie Title:      Warcraft

Grade:  B- (I can't bring myself to give it a C)

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 40 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Big Disclaimer….my son is actually one of the computer animation artists for Blizzard (I know, super cool, right?), so I’m completely biased and want this movie to do well at the box office. 

For what it’s worth, my son didn’t work on this movie.  Instead, he works on the actual World of Warcraft video game.  I’m so happy that he has a job he loves and gets paid to use his amazing talents!  By the way, if you’re a WOW fan, you HAVE to go to Blizz Con.  I don’t even play the game, but I went last year and had a blast!

In case you didn’t know, director Duncan Jones is the son of the late singer/songwriter David Bowie.  For the horde!

Uplifting theme: 

• “If love is what you need, you must be willing to travel to the ends of the earth for it.” – Guardian Medivh (Ben Foster)
• “No one can stand against the darkness alone.” – Alodi (Glenn Close)

Things I liked:

• The fan service is substantial and impressive.        There are tons of Easter eggs in the film, I'm told. The film made $45 million at the box office in ONE DAY in China alone!
• I thought the CGI blended well with the live actors.  The motion capture work was really great.
• The 3D aspect enhanced the visual experience.  See it on the biggest screen you can.
• I loved the cool wolves and the detail of Durotan’s fingers running through the fur.  In fact, the detail of all of the animation was awesome (and I’m not just saying that because my son is an animation artist).  All of their video games are like that too.  The world-building talent is truly amazing.
• I love the vibrant, ethereal glowing blue and green colors, which is a classic Blizzard look.
• While Paula Patton (Garona) only gave us a surface-level performance, I thought Ben Schnetzer (Khadgar) showed us some depth.
• I loved Durotan and thought his character was the most intriguing.  Is it weird that I loved his hairy, muscular chest? When you see him take off his wolf fur cloak, his back looks almost real.  He's a striking, almost handsome creature that you fall in love with. 
• During an awesome battle scene, Garona (Paula Patton) thrusts a sword through a “bad guy” and green blood splatters on the “camera”.  I thought that was a cool effect to make you believe it was live footage, rather than CGI.
• Glenn Close?  How did THAT happen?
• You feel the weight of heavy weapons, which is hard to do in animated film.  The battle scenes are pretty epic.

Things I didn’t like:

• Despite the fact that my son works on World of Warcraft, I’ve never played the video game, so I was unfamiliar with most of the characters, the lore, and the worlds.  I wish the film somehow gave us newbies a primer on the “world” in the beginning of the movie.  Most “uninitiated” viewers will be a bit confused.  It’s kind of like watching “The Lord of the Rings” where the lands and characters have unusual names and it takes some time to figure out who the good guys are and what’s going on.  (I loved the LOTR trilogy, by the way!)  The good news is there isn’t a quiz at the end of watching this movie, but you WILL feel like a nerd for watching it.  There are hundreds of hours of game development which, you can imagine, would be hard to cram into a 90 minute movie.
• Ben Foster’s character, the Guardian, has a really bad CGI moment and does a lot of over-the-top acting. 
• Sometimes it’s really hard to understand what the characters are saying.
• It’s hard to become truly invested in most of the characters, because we aren’t told very much about them and they begin fighting immediately.  There are a couple of protagonists who experience personal growth, but many of the others are paper thin.
• The emerging romance was awkward.

Funny lines:

• “Whatever you plan to do, do it now!” – Anduin Lothar (Travis Fimmel)
• “Can you hide your fat belly?” –  Durotan (Toby Kebbell from Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)

“Better than you can hide your fat head.” – Draka (Anna Galvin)

Interesting lines:

• “For orcs, there is no other life but war, but with the humans, there could be.” – Durotan
• “We fight together or we die together.” – Durotan
• “For years, our worlds have been at peace, but something is coming.  I feel it.” – King Llane Wrynn (Dominic Cooper)

·       “From light comes darkness and from darkness comes light.” – Alodi (Glenn Close)
*      "Broken bones heal stronger." - Garona

Tips for parents:   

• There are a LOT of scary looking creatures.
• There is a LOT of fantasy violence and fighting, sometimes gruesome.
• This movie will give your child the reason to play yet one more video game…

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows better than the last one

Movie Title:       Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

  

Grade:   C

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 37 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Cowabunga!  Well, it’s not as bad as the last one!  That’s not exactly a favorable endorsement, now is it? 

You can read my movie review of their 2014flick here. 

It’s full of things prepubescent boys and true Ninja Turtle fans will love: action, bodily function humor, a hot chick, high tech gadgets, explosions, destruction, and more action.

Uplifting theme: 

• Teamwork, brotherhood
• Embrace who you are and be the best THAT.

Things I liked:

• The turtles are much less obnoxious and gangsta as they were in the last movie.  They feel and even sound more like teenagers this time around.
• Funny slow-motion action sequences.
• Cute transformer costume in the parade in New York City in the beginning of the movie.

Things I didn’t like:

• An “exposition” scene is one where the characters have to catch the audience up to speed by having the characters explain what’s going on to each other.  Almost every scene in this movie was like that.  Fans will feel talked down to.  Other viewers might just feel annoyed.
• There aren’t very many true NINJA sequences.  There was a lot of action, but it felt more like par core.  Still, the action has that high octane Michael Bay feel to it.
• There’s nothing fun after the rolling credits at the end.
• Because the target audience is young boys, you are correct in your assumption that there are plenty of spit wads and farts.
• Tyler Perry?  Whose idea was that?
• For some reason, it was the first time that it struck me as ridiculous that the turtles wear masks to protect their identity.
• Your sons are going to want to buy a drone.  Heck, I want to buy a drone.
• It takes less than 5 minutes for Megan Fox to strip down to a short school girl skirt and tie her shirt up to her chest, revealing her awesome abs and legs.  Of course, if I were a guy, I’d be including that observation in the “Things I liked” list.
• The turtle brothers fight and bicker a LOT.  It’s not funny, nor charming.
• The plot isn’t very good and most of the characters don’t have developed motivations.

Funny lines:

•  “I got one of those.  I’m kind of a big deal.” – Vernon Fenwick (Will Arnett)
• “You could live a normal life, like the rest of us.” – Rebecca Vincent (Laura Linney)

“Normal?  What fun is that?” – Raphael (Alan Ritchson)

• “I was looking for something worse.” – Donatello (Jeremy Howard)

“Like what?” – Raphael (Alan Ritchson)

“I don’t know.  Maybe a mustache or evil goatee.” – Donatello

• “I’m a nerd, not a geek.  Umm…It’s the difference between like “Lord of the Rings” and “Harry Potter” or TED Talks and ComicCon.” – April O’Neil (Megan Fox)
• “It’s pizza on my Nike!” – basketball player

“Welcome to New York!” – Referee

• “Why are you wasting time talking to a grumpy, old rat?  Go get ‘em!” – Splinter (Tony Shalhoub)
• “You’re bringing back the Mohawk.  Good for you.” – Leonardo (Pete Ploszek)
• “Woah!  This is awkward.” – Raphael as he stared at a real turtle

Tips for parents:   

• Some profanity.
• None of these characters are great role models for your kids. The ninja turtles are disrespectful to each other and police officers.  Even April O’Neil steals things and breaks the law.
• Krang (Brad Garrett) might scare very young children with his mucousy tentacles and pointed teeth.

Me Before You is predictable, but will still make you cry

Movie Title:       Me Before You

  

Grade:   B

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 50 minutes

In a Nutshell:    Adapted by Jojo Moyes from her popular 2012 novel of the same name, this predictable RomCom (romantic comedy) will still make you cry.

Uplifting theme: 

•  “Live boldly.  Push yourself.” – William Traynor
• “Live well.  Just live.” – William Traynor
• “There really isn’t much that can’t be solved by a cup of tea.” – Louisa
• “You can’t change how people are.” – Bernard Clark

“Then what can you do?” – Louisa

“Love them.” – Bernard Clark

• Start working on your Bucket List today.  You never know how much time you have left on this earth.
• “You need to widen your horizons, Clark.  You only get one life to live.” – William
• You love whom you serve.

Things I liked:

• Emilia Clarke is charming as Louisa Clark.  Her quirky fashion sense had the audience full of girls and women giggling every time she donned a new outfit with fuzzy sweater, brightly-colored shoes, and crazy tights.  Her boyfriend, Patrick, tells her she looks like a leprechaun drag queen. I don’t watch the porn-filled Game of Thrones TV show, but fans will almost not recognize Emilia Clarke in this Chick Flick.
• Sam Clafflin plays the handsome, rich William Traynor.  Who wouldn’t fall in love with that irresistible combination?  We’ve seen him before as Finnick in The Hunger Games.
• Louisa’s sister’s name is Treena.  I spell mine “Trina”.  Still, we’re almost related.
• Filming was done mostly at Pembroke Castle in Wales.  I saw some of the coolest castles in Wales last summer when I traveled through the UK.  Beautiful landscapes and scenery are layered in the movie.
• Louisa is a real woman, nothing fake or phony about her.  I laughed out loud when she was running and holding her chest, explaining that she had worn the wrong bra.  Been there.  Men will never understand the woes of womanhood.
• Louisa is embarrassed to wear her mother’s black & white checkered jacket to her job interview because it was from the 1980’s.  I actually liked it!  Of course, I was a teenager in the 80’s, so I guess that makes sense.  Ha ha
• It’s really fun to see Matthew Lewis all grown up.  Most of us know him as the shy, insecure Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films.  In this movie, he plays a self-centered runner who is super fit and trim, yet a bit insensitive.
• Louisa & William’s first kiss was extremely slow and delicate.  Kind of refreshing from some of the attack-mode kisses we usually see on the Big Screen lately.
• As a movie critic, I loved the discussion Louisa and William had about movies with subtitles.  Sure, it's a lot of work in the beginning, but a great foreign film will sweep you away to a far away land and envelope you in the story so much that you won't even remember you're reading.  One of the best foreign films I ever saw was "Life is Beautiful."  At the very end of the movie, you actually hear Americans speaking English.  I was so engrossed in the movie that the English actually startled me and broke the trance.  I HIGHLY recommend that movie!

Things I didn’t like:

• If you have estrogen, you’re probably going to cry.
• It’s pretty predictable.

Funny lines:

•  “You know, Sharon…you can stick your premier badge right up your relaxed dining area.” – Louisa
• “A wind concerto?” – William

“I’ve been assured it doesn’t involve farting.” - Louisa

• “You’ll think I’m insane!” – Louisa

“That ship has sailed, Clark.” – William
*  "Every time I say something, he looks at me like I'm stupid." - Louisa
    "You are stupid." - Treena
    "Yeah, but he doesn't know that." - Louisa

Did you notice?

• Louisa’s headboard matches her quilted bedspread.
• Fans of British comedy will get a kick out of seeing beloved comedienne Joanna Lumley who plays William’s drunk godmother at a wedding.  Joanna was often seen playing a drunk character in her smash hit “Absolutely Fabulous.”
• William’s old girlfriend says “You know, you can only help somebody who wants to be helped.”   Do you think that’s true?  Not necessarily true?
•  

Romantic lines:

•  All the women in the audience swooned when William said “You know, Clark, you are pretty much the only thing that makes me want to get up in the mornings.”
• “I don’t want to go in yet.  I just want to be a man who’s been to a concert with a girl in a red dress.” – William
• “I have become a whole new person because of you.” - Louisa

Tips for parents:   

• Pre-marital sex.  Discussion about positions during sex.
• There is a lot of discussion about assisted suicide, which is a very complicated, sensitive subject.
• William was in a motorcycle accident that left him as a quadriplegic. You may want to talk to kids about what exactly that means.
• Some profanity.
• There is a discussion about “Wellies”, which is a British word for rain boots.

Mother's Day movie filled with cliches and estrogen

Movie Title:      Mother’s Day

  

Grade:   C

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 58 minutes

In a Nutshell:    Full of sappy clichés, but if you have estrogen, you might still cry. The movie showcases all kinds of mothers.  

Mother’s Day can be a very difficult day for many mothers and this film shows that very well.

Is director Garry Marshall going to make a Father's Day movie?  Would anyone see it?

Uplifting theme: 

• You better do something nice for your mother on Mother’s Day!  Just kidding…the film didn’t really preach that.  I’m just sayin…
• Mothers come in all forms.  Whatever shape or size, season or situation, motherhood is a sacrifice and act of love like no other.

Things I liked:

• The cast is full of big names: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Garner, Jon Lovitz, Britt  Robertson, and more.
• Kate Hudson is gorgeous and in amazing shape.   Have you seen her newest business venture?  She co-founded Fabletics, a lifestyle athletic wear brand and store.  One of her stores just opened up near me.  I'd buy everything in the store if it would make me look like her.
• Sandy and Bradley meet in Sprouts Farmers Market store.  Have you ever been there? 
• The movie features a cute song by Meghan Trainer appropriately entitled “Mom”.
• There are some cute outtakes during the rolling credits at the end.

Things I didn’t like:

• What town on earth has a Mother’s Day parade?
• It’s hard to feel sorry for these beautiful women with hard bodies and beautiful houses.
• Margo Martindale is always delightful, but in this movie she plays a truly insensitive, judgmental mother.
• The situations and lines are painfully contrived and predictable.

Funny lines:

•  “There’s no texting in soccer.” – Bradley (Jason Sudeikis)
• “You don’t go into marriage thinking you’ll get a divorce, but life happens, and when it does…you get more closet space.” – Sandy (Jennifer Aniston)
• “A pox on your whistle!” – Bradley's daughter
• “His eyes have cataracts.  Mine have hope.” – comedienne in bar 
• “And I put on a bra for this?” – Flo (Margo Martindale)
• “I don’t get that joke, but it sounds racist…and funny.” – Sonia (Anoush Nevart)
• “You look just like me…in the summer time.” -  Flo to her little brown grandson.

• Tips for parents:   
• 1 F-bomb.
• Most kids will be fairly bored.
• Pre-marital sex, two lesbians, some racist jokes.