Mermaids (1990) User Reviews

A Delightful Little Film

[TheAnimalMother · 7/10 · 17 May 2010]

I've seen this film a number of times, and I always enjoy it. What stands out most about this film is the acting, and the overall feel of the film. It feels tremendously authentic to it's time and subjects. The acting is very good throughout, and the movie is just a very fun, and very human story. One that is easy for almost anyone to relate to in some way.

There are a number of great performances in this film. Winona Ryder plays one of her most interesting characters, and she pulls it off very well. Bob Hoskins is very strong and enjoyable as usual. Personally I have always loved Cher's acting. I can't say I'm a huge fan of her music, but I've always had some respect for her there too. However her acting has always been very strong in my opinion. I know she has been nominated for multiple Oscars and even won one for Moonstruck. However I still think her acting is somewhat underrated by most people. (And she also gave Nick Cage his first huge break after demanding that the studios cast Cage opposite her in Moonstruck. Cage was thought to be somewhat of a risky bet back in those days, and Cher basically made the major studios take the chance with him. Which I find somewhat funny, and also very Cher like.). Cher also had the original director of this film, and the girl who was originally cast in Winona's part fired. So Winona fans also have Cher to thank for her even being in this film. It's hard to criticize Cher for getting rid of these originals either, seeing as how well the film turned out with the people she approved. She is a very strong minded and hearted woman in my view, and if you take a look at Silkwood, Mask, Moonstruck, and this nice little film. You will undoubtedly also see that this woman can flat out act. She has some other decent films as well.

Anyway, all in all, I highly recommend Mermaids to anyone that likes character driven film. And basically to any teen, male or female. It is basically a coming of age story in terms of Winona's character, and even for Cher and Hoskins characters to some degree too. :) And there is a lot to relate to in terms of the parent/child relationship, especially the single parent. Those with Attention Deficit Disorder , or those who get bored easy may not get into it however. :) I gave this film a 7, but I'm a pretty strict rater, and this film is a very solid 7 in my opinion. In fact, I'd give it a 7.5 if I could.

7.5/10

A Quirky Comedy With Engaging Characters

[eric262003 · 8/10 · 17 March 2014]

Not to say that this movie is a rarely talked about movie, but an underrated chick flick. "Mermaids" tells the story of an upbeat mother named Rachel Flax (Cher) who after every failed relationship she moves to another state along with her two daughters Charlotte and Kate (Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci)and finally settles down in a small town in Massachusetts and finds herself in a relationship with a shoe-salesman named Lou Landsky (Bob Hoskins). However, she's fearful of commitment and the struggles to accept this man to be in relationship is a fear she must overcome. Meanwhile her oldest daughter Charlotte wants to become a nun (although she happens to be Jewish and not Catholic) is also smitten for an attractive older school bus driver Joseph Porretti (Michael Schoeffling). Her youngest daughter is obsessed with water and the ocean and has a future planned to peruse a career in the aquatics (she has already won several awards for her accomplishments).

The characters are so rich and it should be thanked to the great performances by the cast who made it all possible. It seems that the performers were custom made to fit his and her respected roles, though several of the major stars were not the original choices for these parts. The director of the movie was Richard Benjamin who was hired after Lasse Hallstrom and Frank Oz were given the ax by the star Cher. For the part of Charlotte Flax, British thespian Emily Lloyd was slated but she was let go because they wanted a character that had some physical resemblance to Cher and so Ryder became her replacement (she was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress). To me it was a perfect match.

Though she's been snickered and jabbed at by the media, but I think she's a very good performer and she has never once turned in a performance that made me want to put a bag over my face. Rachel Flax reminds me a lot of my own mother. She's light-spirited, spontaneous and just the right person to visit for a tuna sandwich and lemonade. A bit of a philanderer, but that soon changes once Lou wants to be in a committed relationship with her.

The story caters through the eyes of the eldest daughter; Charlotte who seems obsessed with everything that is Catholic and at the same time cannot keep her mind off of Joseph. She does not want to end up inheriting any of her mother's unorthodox traits, while at time feels obligated to take up that task of second mother to her much younger sister Kate. Charlotte's trials and tribulations add the right touch of humour and pathos that flow by very immaculately as the film carries through.

Based on a novel by Patty Dunn, "Mermaids" has an equally amount of laughter and choices the right time when serious issues come into fruition. The chemistry between Cher and Hoskins are just as equally engaging as the chemistry between Ryder and Schoeffling. The direction was simple and easy to follow and the feeling of the 1960's plays along very nice with a great soundtrack, this is a romantic comedy that isn't sappy or preachy, just a lot of fun and chuckles that will amuse you in the 1:50 minute duration.

Delightful coming-of-age film

[debterrill · 7/10 · 1 October 1998]

I think this is a delightful movie. The period details are fun, Cher is GREAT, and the chemistry between Hoskins, Cher, Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci is excellent. Ryder is especially good at capturing that mixure of idealism, angst and embarrassment which is adolescence.

Winona's finest hour

[Boyo-2 · 25 May 2000]

Winona Ryder is fantastic in this movie - its a helluva part and she plays it for all it is worth. Whether she is worshipping Joe (the local hunk-deluxe), or watching 'The Singing Nun' on television, she is completely believable. Her relationship with her less-than-perfect Mother (Cher) is also believable. As a bonus, you get Christina Ricci and Bob Hoskins and some beautiful cinematography. It also has a real feel for the 60's.

Downsides are one cliche too many (WHY does every movie that takes place in the 60's have to feature JFK's assassination?) and it goes on a tad too long, but its worth watching for sure.

A Fun Way to Spend an Evening

[Real_Girl · 7/10 · 21 September 2007]

Cher and Wynona Ryder are very believable as Mrs. and Charlotte Flax, respectively. Mrs. Flax is a single mom who lives by the motto "Real women never get too old." Her bright, bold, sexy ways make her a special woman but aren't enough to spare her from all the characteristic pains of single motherhood. Moving from town to town with every new relationship, she finds herself at odds her 15 year old daughter, Charlotte.

Charlotte wants to be everything her mother isn't - pious, proper, humble, and pure. Her good intentions, however, are constantly in conflict with her basic nature, which is more like her mothers. Charlotte develops a fierce crush on Joe, the caretaker at a nearby convent. When Mrs. Flax's potentially serious relationship with the endearing Lou, played by Bob Hoskins, hits a rough patch, she too finds herself attracted to Joe. With competition for his affection to add fuel to the fire between Mrs. Flax and Charlotte, the only thing they can seem to agree on is caring for Katie, Charlotte's little sister, charmingly played by a young Christina Ricci. As things come to a head in the small town where the Flaxes are living, Katie's well-being hangs in the balance while both her mom and older sister try to work through their impulses.

nice coming-of-age movie

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 27 June 2015]

It's 1963. Charlotte Flax (Winona Ryder) is a teen obsessed with Catholicism despite being Jewish. Her sister Kate (Christina Ricci) swims like a fish. She calls her mother Mrs. Flax (Cher). After yet another failed relationship with her married boss, Mrs. Flax randomly chooses coastal Eastport, Massachusetts and leaves Oklahoma. Charlotte falls for local handyman 26 year old Joe and overjoyed with the local convent. Meanwhile Mrs. Flax is courted by shoe store owner Lou Landsky (Bob Hoskins).

It is a fine coming-of-age movie that concentrates heavily on the interior monologue of Charlotte. Her imaginative confused teenage mind lends itself to some comedy. It does need more and funnier jokes. It's more like a slice of quirky teenage observations. The movie needs some kind of end point or goal. Even if the goal is something fanciful like Charlotte wanting to be a saint or maybe simply wanting to be a nun.

A magic potion!

[budmassey · 10/10 · 27 March 2001]

A delightful period piece set appropriately in 1963. Appropriate because Charlotte (Wynona Ryder), like the nation, is about to shed a little of her innocence and face some difficult realities. Cher, Ryder and an adorably young Christina Ricci are perfect as a single parent family. Cher, in her best work ever, including Moonstruck, is a free-spirited mom who only cooks finger food because anything else is too much of a commitment. Ryder, who narrates the film from her character's perspective, is a high school student who, despite her fervent wish to lead a devout life, falls in love with the local handyman. Ricci is the youngest, a champion swimmer who steals the whole movie with scenes like her pumpkin scene. (Watch it and you'll know what I'm talking about. It's unforgettable.) Bob Hoskins is hilarious as the shoe salesman who falls head over heels for Cher, family and all.

Set in coastal Massachusetts, the scenery is breathtaking, and the idyllic depiction of life in a small town in the last days of American innocence is dead on. Director Richard Benjamin, who also gave us such charming films as Milk Money and My Stepmother is an Alien, rivals Penny Marshall and Rob Reiner with this gem.

This film is perfection, an absolute 10. It's a magic potion that can make me laugh and feel good even on the worst day. I sometimes wish I could step inside a la Pleasantville and stay there.

How many times can a 15 year old girl want to die?

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 12 January 2021]

The super talented Winona Ryder drives right over Cher in this coming of age comedy as a quirky teen with a rather bizarre mom who is trying to find herself through her inner spirituality that has made her consider becoming a nun in spite of the fact she's Jewish. Her love/hate relationship with her mom has her often claiming that she wants to die, a thought she continuously repeats every time she is put in awkward situation out in society. Along with younger sister Christina Ricci (absolutely adorable), Ryder is thrilled when a new man, the responsible Bob Hoskins, comes along and brings some normalcy to their lives which of course Cher screws up. The 15 year old Ryder shares an innocent kiss with the sweet Michael Schoeffling, a hunky bus driver she befriends who is unfortunately a decade older than her.

Certainly the age difference between Ryder and Schoeffling is a bit disturbing even if it is completely innocent. I had a hard time believing that he'd allow himself to become close to her even as friends, and the twist concerning them as possible tragedy occurs may put some viewers off. Cher's drag queen image comes to life in her variety of smashing 60's fashions, but her tendency to smirk when she says many of her lines (a habit from other films she's been in) is irritating.

Hoskins, even if not the ideal leading man, is perfect and I wouldn't put anyone else in that part after seeing him here. Ryder gives another in a string of delightfully eccentric performances and walks off with the film. I just wish they had kept the scene in with her visiting nun Jan Miner that really would have put a close on that part of Ryder's story for the viewers.

Atmosphere wise, this is shear perfection with a series of 60's hits which would have been really appropriate considering Cher's character and her fantasy life. While the character's selfishness can be aggravating, it completely adds a more believable aspect that rounds out her character a bit better than had it not been included. Of course, the "Shoop Shoop" song got rediscovered for this as well, and created a music video that is still popular.

The inclusion of the Kennedy assassination as an important event in Ryder's life is really moving because it really shows how that tragic event impacted not only the world but the young people who looked on him as a sign of hope. The Cher of 1990 might be playing a variation of her persona circa 1963, so it's fun to see her playing dress-up long before the real Cher came into discovery. The gorgeous location landscapes also make this a visual treat so it's a feast for the eyes, and through the music the ears, and even if it's slightly flawed, a feast for the emotions.

Beautiful, funny, moving movie

[grantss · 9/10 · 20 February 2016]

A single mother, Mrs Flax (played by Cher), relocates to a small town with her two daughters, Charlotte (Winona Ryder) and Kate (Christina Ricci). We see how their relationship evolves and new relationships are formed.

Beautiful, funny, moving movie. Tackles a range of issues, and tackles them well. Plus, add in some hilarious one-liners and scenarios and you have a great movie.

Cher surprises by proving herself a competent actress. Winona Ryder is gorgeous and great as her oldest daughter. I am not usually a fan of precocious kids in movies, but 10-year old Christina Ricci, in her first movie role, is great - adorable, bubbly and funny. Bob Hoskins is his usual solid self.

Wonderful movie.

Mermaids (1990)

[SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain · 6/10 · 20 August 2012]

Mermaids is the story of a family of three ladies, a mother and her two daughters. Winona Ryder plays the eldest daughter who actually looks down her mother. Ryder dreams of becoming a nun so that she can live a pure and honest life. Cher is the mother, who constantly moves her family around whenever she fails at a relationship. Ryder is tested by a young man that she starts to have feelings for while Cher has difficulty adjusting to a serious relationship with Bob Hoskins. It's a fine film on all accounts as both a comedy and a romantic drama. The rift between Cher and Ryder is an easy one to understand and they both play it brilliantly. You always get the feeling that they are tired of one another, but the love is always present. Hoskins is a fantastic and surprising romantic lead. He gives off a strong dominant force, but also comes across as fragile. It's his strength that gradually repairs this family. Christina Ricci stars as the youngest daughter and it's no surprise she became a star. She manages to do young and cute without being annoying. The soundtrack helps to capture the time period very well. The pacing is often off and it feels like an edited down novel, but when it's hitting those high notes in terms of comedy or drama it is a great watch.

nothing (repeat: nothing) works here

[mjneu59 · 1/10 · 7 December 2010]

The challenge in watching this witless, would-be comedy isn't finding what went wrong; it's finding anything that goes right. The problems begin with an embarrassing script, loading every conceivable coming-of-age cliché on a set of characters overburdened with contrived eccentricities: Winona Ryder is a Jewish teen obsessed with Catholicism; younger sister Christina Ricci wants to swim the English Channel; and Cher is…well, simply Cher. The lame attempts at wacky humor, conveyed almost entirely through Ryder's superfluous voice-over narration (a sure sign of weak screen writing), are further undermined by Richard Benjamin's lackluster direction, and in answer the actors pitch their performances to the edge of hysteria (the otherwise reliable Bob Hoskins is especially irritating). Every tired convention of early '60s nostalgia (the music, the fashions, JFK's assassination) is dusted off and put on display, and every predictable crisis in the formula plot occurs right on cue.

So underrated!

[marcofoti · 9/10 · 15 June 2019]

Are you serious? Film, screenplay, Winona Ryder and Cher didn't get Oscar nominations? Only 56 as critics' metascore? Pure injustice! This film is awesome, so witty and beautifully acted! 👍🏻👍🏻

fun but overlong

[cherold · 7/10 · 14 October 2019]

This thoroughly enjoyable coming-of-age movie stars Winona Ryder at her adolescent charm-peak as a confused girl dealing with her eccentric mother, played by an equally charming Cher.

The movie is funny and likable, even if Cher pushing her daughter to date a full-grown man feels a little, shall we say, dated as of 2019.

As enjoyable as the movie is, it begins to lose energy in the second half, and by the end I was feeling somewhat restless. I'd say this movie at 90 minutes would have been much better. Still, worth watching.

sad movie a foreshadow of future moral decay

[moeb20 · 3/10 · 31 January 2006]

The plot was very disturbing a 15 year old girl with a 26 year old guy and the mother encouraging it? no wonder we have such problems with pedophiles and such today.... If this movie were to happen today then people would be all up in arms over the content, instead "its cute" Great performances by the cast including Cher A slow moving movie the requirement of ten lines is bad some movies do not have enough information to make ten lines wonder if they have to get permission for rearing broadcast? the interview of the Kennedy assignation and such, or was it done Forest Gump style and faked? wonder what living in MA was like when their local boy was killed?

**** Endlessly charming

[Bil-3 · 17 February 2000]

I first saw this film as a preteen and have loved it ever since. Endlessly entertaining performances are the best thing about this underrated and understated coming-of-age comedy that features Cher doing what she does best--convincing you she rules the world, and she really does. As Rachel Flax, a headstrong and independent mother of two (Winona Ryder, Christina Ricci), she thinks nothing of jumping into her car at the slightest sign of trouble and moving to another town ("Life is change", she says). Ryder is excellent as the fifteen year-old Charlotte, a girl who thinks that the best way to fight her burgeoning hormones is to devote her life to the Catholic church as a nun, despite the fact that she's Jewish. Of course, the boy next door (the sadly now retired Michael Schoeffling) gets in the way of her holy ambitions. Bob Hoskins is also a riot as the awshucks shoe salesman who falls over himself for Rachel, first out of fascination, and then out of love. Great music, great period feel and very light, warmhearted direction by Richard Benjamin.

American movie

[deickos · 7/10 · 7 August 2017]

Dealing with kind of difficult stuff (adolescent crisis and dysfunctional families) but in a humorous spirited and light way. Cher is not the leading actress Winona is. I feel the whole movie revolves around her - that is courteous of Cher of course. Bob Hoskins is exactly what is needed. The director is always around like a guarding angel. So fun!

The best kind of soap-opera!

[Howlin Wolf · 7/10 · 29 March 2004]

All the issues explored here might reasonably be considered mundane, but the sheer likeability of each member of the main cast keeps one watching happily. The script also has a lot to do with this - by turns funny, poignant and sometimes insightful. Cher is great, as she has been in every acting role that I've been fortunate enough to see. It's a no-contest between her and Madonna in terms of theatrical - if not perhaps musical - performances. Hoskins coasts by with the native charm he possesses, and I always enjoy watching Winona Ryder. There's even Christina Ricci in a rare 'cute' role!

The period setting provides an excuse for a great 'golden-oldie' soundtrack as well, capped off at the end by Cher's own charming cover version of "The Shoop-Shoop Song". (The classic accompanying video sadly not present here; it's worth it just to see Winona dancing as a schoolgirl! Come to think of it, she also did the same in the brilliant "Beetlejuice"... )

It does sag a little due to contrivance when the real problems are introduced (JFK, why??), but that's often a hazard in examples of this genre, it doesn't indicate a bad film. For most of its running time it's actually just the opposite: something of a delight!

Winona's finest performance!

[Stay_away_from_the_Metropol · 8/10 · 1 July 2009]

Good stuff.

Cher plays the realistic slutty single mom who is never really happy and doesn't know how to commit to any man. Bob Hoskins plays the realistic average guy who wants the hot mom but can't quite have her. ChrisTEENY Ricci is one of the most bad ass 5 year olds or however old she is in this. Chugging red wine and holding her head under water for fun. But it's Winona Ryder who really shines through as the troubled 15 year old who is completely focused on 2 things: 1. becoming a nun, and 2. losing her virginity to the cute bus driver who drives her to school.

The awkward "love story" is quite compelling, as is the believable tension that is constantly erupting within the walls of the family's home. This is probably the greatest performance I have ever seen from Winona. She is intense and emotional throughout and it's extremely genuine feeling.

A classic chick flick right here! It's got a lot of personality! Very well done!

Plenty of laughs

[gcd70 · 6/10 · 21 May 2007]

"Mermaids", from director Richard Benjamin, is quite a funny movie, and it needs to be. The comedy is definitely the only thing that really holds it up.

Set in the early sixties, the material from novelist Patty Dann sadly has little substance for the big screen. Yet the cast do well with the script from screenwriter June Roberts, and all of them manage to entertain us.

Cher and Winona Ryder are good, but Bob Hoskins really wins you with his smile and his uncanny ability to make you laugh. Also starred Christina Ricci. Not bad at all.

Friday, May 17, 1991 - Knox District Centre

Unusual and very enjoyable

[neil-476 · 8/10 · 17 September 2011]

A plot synopsis makes this film sound weird, and I think maybe it is. Told through the eyes of older daughter Charlotte (Winona Ryder), who is at that awkward teenage stage when, well, you know, it concerns the Flax family in 1960s middle America. Mother Mrs Flax (Cher) has trouble settling down. Every time anything close to permanency approaches, Mrs Flax ups sticks and she, Charlotte, and little Kate (Christina Ricci, cute as a button an an early child role) move somewhere else. Charlotte badly needs to put down some roots, especially as she has an eye on this handsome local lad. But local shoe shop proprietor Lou (Bob Hoskins) has his eye on Mrs Flax, and things are nearing the tipping point again.

This film is quirky and quite charming, with terrific performances from the four principals, a lot of laughs, and a little bit of heartbreak too. The period era is nicely evoked and there is a good selection of music from the era. And the closing sequence, with the Flax family preparing a meal (with Mrs Flax's typical selection of picnic finger foods - she's not a big fan of cooking) while singing and dancing along to the Shoop Shoop Song, is absolutely joyous.

Recommended.

Mermaids

[jboothmillard · 7/10 · 28 July 2013]

I recognised the title because of the two leading actresses and leading actor, but I was interested to know the origins of the title, and I knew it would feature the song that the singer/actress got to number one with, from director Richard Benjamin (The Money Pit, My Stepmother Is an Alien). Basically, set in 1963, fifteen year old Charlotte Flax (Golden Globe nominated Winona Ryder, who also narrates throughout) lives with her glamorous but eccentric mother Rachel who she refers as "Mrs. Flax" (Cher) and her little sister Kathryn 'Kate' (introducing nine year old Christina Ricci). The family are forced to constantly move when the mother's relationships or circumstances go wrong, they have now relocated to Eastport, Massachusetts to a small town near a convent, Charlotte is fascinated and idolises the nuns despite being reminded by Rachel that she is Jewish, while Kate loves swimming and ocean, she has won many swimming competitions. In the town, Charlotte has feelings for twenty six year old handsome convent caretaker and local school bus driver Joe Porretti (Michael Schoeffling), while Rachel has affection for local shop owner named Lou Landsky (Bob Hoskins), while remaining selfish, self obsessed and hopelessly promiscuous. Following the assassination President John F. Kennedy, Charlotte kisses Joe in the church bell tower, and being naive she wrongly assumes that she is pregnant, and she cannot talk to her mother about her fear, but later an obstetrician examining her confirms that she is still a virgin, she is relieved. At a New Year's Eve costume party Rachel dresses as a mermaid (hence the title), and Lou, dressed as a pirate, asks her to move in with him, but she refuses and they fight, and being driven home she is kissed by Joe, and watching them Charlotte thinks her promiscuous mother is trying to steal him. Later that night Charlotte takes the mermaid costume and goes with Kate to the convent with Joe, while the little sister collects rocks the older sister loses her virginity (for real), and distracted she does not realise Kate fell into the river and almost drowned, she was saved by nuns. Rachel is very angry and wants to move house to avoid embarrassment of her older daughter and Joe being talked about, but Charlotte fights her corner to avoid this, and the argument ends with the mother convinced to stay at least one year. In the end Rachel stays in the town where her relationship with Lou continues, Joe keeps in touch by postcard after moving away, Charlotte is studying her passion subject Greek myths, Kate has recovered with only some deafness, and for the first time in ages the family sit down at the table to dinner. Also starring Caroline McWilliams as Carrie, Jan Miner as Mother Superior, Betsy Townsend as Mary O'Brien, Richard McElvain as Mr. Crain and Paula Plum as Mrs. Crain. Cher is good as the oddball and out there mother, Hoskins does his accent okay and is likable, Ryder is a great surprise as the opinionated and confused girl, and Ricci is so adorable and cute with her sweet nature and attitude. The story is simple, a quirky family living the nomadic lifestyle, the love interest plots with the two women is interesting, the bickering and emotional arguments are engaging, the period of the film is convincing, and of course it is great to hear "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)" (both the Betty Everett and the number one version by Cher), it is a nice gentle, funny and light-hearted romantic comedy. Very good!

5/10 how NOT to do character development

[The_Wood · 5/10 · 5 March 2002]

So we got a mother who gets around. A daughter who wants to be a nun; when she's not thinking about getting it on, and of course a daughter who is obsessed with....swimming.

A cute film that wears its welcome out quickly. Bob Hoskins is the only actor who can fully develop a character in the film -- but admittedly -- Ryder is a joy to watch. The film is predictable coming of age story.

A teen girl obsessed with NUNS!?

[SusieSalmonLikeTheFish · 8/10 · 14 October 2014]

Charlotte is the older sibling in a family of three. Her mom is always moving her two girls from town to town, so both Charlotte and her little sister Kate have trouble making friends. Charlotte is like any other girl her age, but there's one exception... she is obsessed with the Catholic religion and while other girls are thinking of The Beatles, Charlotte dreams of one day being a nun.

One day Charlotte meets a boy and her mom meets a man, who happens to work at the local school. As events such as the J.F.K. assassination and kissing her new boyfriend Joe come up, Charlotte's life gradually stops making sense, until a horrible accident makes her family stop and think.

This movie is GREAT, I've loved it since grade 5. The acting is amazing with actresses Cher (Silkwood and The Mask), Winona Ryder (Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands), and Christina Ricci (The Addam's Family Weird is Relative and Casper). The soundtrack is excellent and suits the date in question (takes place in 1963), and the plot is a fictional memoir of one of the most original characters you'll ever see. I highly recommend this movie, it's one of the best 1990's movies I've seen.

'Shoop Shoop....'

[wrightiswright · 6/10 · 5 February 2019]

Does he love me, I wanna know. How can I tell if he loves me ssoo..."

Oops, you caught me at an awkward moment. Let me put away my hairbrush, and get on with the review.

Yes, that song is from 'this' movie, and to be honest it's the most memorable bit.

I mean, it's not to say the film is bad or anything... you have Cher being the undisputed Sass Queen who can't seem to stay in one place for long, and a young Christina Ricci as her irrepressible cute-as-a-button youngest daughter who's also a natural swimming prodigy.

But then you have the other daughter Winona Ryder in a very bi-polar role (before the term was even coined) as a troubled teen. She has the hots for a local hunk in his mid-twenties, and let's just say her constant mood swings and pretentious narration wear on the nerves after a while.

Bob Hoskins is also on hand to lend affable support as the man who might actually at last convince Cher to settle down, however as nice as he is here, his performance doesn't leave much of an impression.

So basically, what we're left with in the end is the occasional hilarious one-liner from our leading lady, a few dramatic spots where you can probably guess the outcome, a somewhat dubious relationship between a grown man and a teenage girl (but as the movie set in the 60's, they think it's passable I suppose) and that great soundtrack I mentioned before.

I know what my main takeover will be out of those. Now, back to the karaoke... 6/10

What a waste of cellulose

[albaloo · 1/10 · 25 January 2007]

Turn the TV off and spend the two hours staring a blank screen. Barring neurological dysfunction, your daydreams will be more interesting.

This movie is like a well-intentioned friend that is perpetually concerned with pleasing everyone and inevitably ends up pissing everyone off. It tries to be funny, insightful, artistic, removed and searching all at the same time and FAILS miserably at them all.

Except for Michael Schoeffling, whose character would have been showed to better advantage using a scarecrow with his hands shoved in his pockets and his tongue shoved down anyone's throat (I'm glad he had the good sense to give up acting), most of the acting was decent. At the climax of the film, Winona Ryder was even impressive. The cinematography was fine, just not memorable. It's the script that kills them all. Not just a syringe of morphine killing either - this is a lying by the edge of the road in a million pieces killing. It's ridiculous without being funny (even ironically) and slow-moving without being insightful or inspiring. Even more unforgivably, it makes too-abundant use of tried and TIRED plot elements and twists.

The only good thing about this movie was that the frustrating prospect of being stuck watching it while on my treadmill made me angry enough to run at full speed the whole time. Rent it and give it to your worst enemy while simpering "Oh I know you'll LOVE this!"