Mother’s Day (2016)

Review

118min

Genre:       Comedy, Drama, Romance

Director:    Garry Marshall

Cast:         Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Julia Roberts…and more

Writers:     Anya Kochoff, Matthew Walker, Tom Hines… and more

-Synopsis-

Director and master of the romantic “dramedy” Garry Marshall brings us his heart-warming tribute to motherhood, with the help of an ensemble cast, in this tale of generations of very different moms whose lives come together in Atlanta during the lead up to mother’s day.

In a cornucopia of motherhood with moms of every ilk to be found; Marshall anchors the film with two of his previous leading ladies, Kate Hudson as the new mom estranged from judgemental parents and Julia Roberts as the TV shopping star with no time for family devotion. As well as Jennifer Aniston as the divorced mother with new maternal competition and Jason Sudeikis as “Mr. Mom” struggling as a single dad with two daughters.

The ‘Mother’s Day’ trailer didn’t exactly inspire confidence over the potential quality of this latest Garry Marshall family comedy, but then the man who brought us ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘Overboard’ can surely do no great wrong, can he? But one quick look at his recent credits, which include ‘New Year’s Eve’ and ‘Valentine’s Day’, are a vivid reminder that he can… and that’s the level we’re dealing with here in the 3rd of his forgettable “special day” trilogy.

The “crowd-pleasing” tear-jerker family-friendly aspect of this bore-fest belies the cynical nature of a transparent drama that tugs at no legitimate heartstrings, and a comedy that just ain’t funny. ‘Mother’s Day’ is little more than a Hallmark card of a film with a distinct made-for-TV quality which completely squanders the talents of its actors.

The corny and insincere narrative, coupled with the brazen socially opportunistic story and characters, might be digestible if it weren’t for an almost complete absence of any legitimate comedy.

Only Jason Sudeikis in his neutered comedic capacity gets close to being funny, and it’s ironic that a film which so panders to political correctness and makes fun of stereotyping in the 21st century, should end up doing just that very thing.

It’s hard to believe that the number of writers involved in this cringeworthy and lazy enterprise could create such a poor narrative and collection of characters, but then again it’s probably a clear indication of filmmaking by committee where every underwhelming box has to be ticked.

The Bottom Line…

Garry Marshall’s latest uninspired comedy/drama is at best moderately entertaining and amusing in very small bursts but certainly not worth the price of admission; rather than a film which makes us want to hug our moms, ‘Mother’s Day’ makes us want to apologise to them for a film which insults their intelligence and that of the audience.

Similar films you may like (Home Video)

Valentine’s Day (2010)

Garry Marshall wrangles together an all-star cast for this feelgood rom-com featuring the intersecting lives of disparate L.A. singles & couples and their relationships in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.

Directed by Garry Marshall and starring Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper and Anne Hathaway among others.

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