Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Mother’s Day is approaching us (May 8th) and what better way to celebrate mom this year than bringing her to a Movie directed by comedy icon Garry Marshall?
Mother’s Day however despite its star-studded appeal, lacks character development amidst the multitude of running story lines. If it weren’t for some great performances from its Oscar caliber cast, the experience would be unsalvagable.
Mother’s Day focuses on six different characters ranging from Sandy (Jennifer Aniston) the divorcée whose ex-husband Henry (Timothy Olyphant) marries a young hot thing in Tina (Shay Mitchell) . Then there’s Jesse (Kate Hudson) who has an estranged relationship with her parents who disapprove of her dating (or marrying for that matter) outside her ethnicity in partner Russell (Aasif Mandvi). Moving forward is Jesse’s sister Gabi (Sarah Chalke) who is a lesbian, and again her parents disapprove of her lifestyle. We have too Miranda (Julia Roberts) who puts her career above all and doesn’t give particularly a motherly vibe. Then we have Zack (Jack Whitehall) and his baby’s mother Kristin (Britt Robertson) trying to get their life together, as Kristin searches for her mother. Lastly, we have single widowed father Bradley (Jason Sudeikis) who is just trying to keep his life together with his two daughters as it is their first Mother’s Day without his wife/their mother. Through Mother’s Day, these characters’ stories intertwine and the only downfall of this is that it at times lacks cohesiveness in such a way that becomes trying to follow.
Kate Hudson manages to keep her husband a secret from her parents rather well, while on the other hand, Jennifer Aniston brings a certain distain that detracts from the lightheartedness of the story. Toronto’s Shay Mitchell however steps-up to the challenge alongside these heavyweights, exceeding expectations. Continuing, Jason Sudeikis is coming into his own as an Actor with the weight of his reputation of being strictly comedic behind him.
Mother’s Day improves upon Marshall‘s previous efforts Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve, but on its own does not have much weight considering some the classics he has helmed.
Elevation Pictures release MOTHER’S DAY on Friday April 29, 2016.
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