“Mother’s Day” Review
Directed by Gary Marshall
Written by Tom Hines, Lily Hollander, Anya Kochoff, and Matthew Walker

From the creators of Pretty Woman and Valentine’s Day comes another movie about another bloody holiday, since their writers must be having trouble with creativity these days, and holidays seem to be an easy enough material to write about–much less make a film about. Mother’s Day meshes the lives of different people living different lives, all of whom seem to have a metaphysical connection through the common phenomena of said holiday. As it is, what the film is trying to portray is how big a deal Mother’s Day really is to these people. Ugh.

Jennifer Aniston is Sandy, a single mother raising two boys who seem to have no problem accepting her ex-husband’s (Timothy Olyphant) deliciously young wife (Shay Mitchell). Helping her cope is her carefree friend Jesse (Kate Hudson), a mother herself, who is trying to come to terms with her absolute disenchantment with her own racist, bigoted, trailer-trash mother. 

Aniston once again proves that she has definitely found her niche in comedies, and Mother’s Day shows her as natural at it. She has never been a mother herself, IRL, but her acting is as convincing as it is. Hudson, on the other hand, looks like she relished playing a rebellious daughter, one who deliberately married an Indian man despite her mother not wanting any man “darker than a Frappuccino.”

Another friend of Jesse’s who has mummy issues is Kristin (Britt Robertson), a mother herself, who has trouble deciding if she should tie the knot with her boyfriend Zack (Jack Whitehall) due to, erm, private matters she needs to attend to first. Robertson has come far since her stint on Disney’s Tommorowland, and Whitehall’s comedic chops are utilized through an in-film stand-up routine. 

Now, audiences might roll their eyes and liken this to an act as old and boring as a Sandler – Barrymore pairing, but Jason Sudeikis once again joins Aniston as mourning widower Bradley, who has apprehensions celebrating the only holiday that reminds him most of his loss. With his attempts at moving on and raising two blooming young women, and Sandy’s non-existent love life (and having two sons of her own), you know where this is headed. The writers couldn’t have been more obvious. Or blatant. That said, nothing was spoilt. You already knew that.

Last but not the least is the often fleeting appearances of Miranda (Julia Roberts), a bestselling author who has the stern and poised manner of someone who has made it big. Her personality and hair evokes the aura of American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, famed for her chilly vibe and ever consistent hair style. Her orange bob, inspired by Wintour’s own ‘do, feels a bit off. Damn Hair & Makeup Department.

Audiences would find themselves wondering what the heck Miranda has to do with any of the characters, what with her Home Shopping Network stints (selling jewelry she designed herself) and all, but she definitely has a part in it, and a deep one at that. Thick as blood.

The film Mother’s Day proves to be a film that does not stimulate intellectuals, but then again, it wasn’t created for that purpose. At its very essence, it made an attempt at creating something funny and lighthearted, something you’ll feel good about when you exit the theatre. It definitely serves up quite a dose of clean (slightly irreverent) humour, and is highly recommended for sons and daughters who have no idea what to give their own mothers this coming Mother’s Day. Bring them to the bloody cinema.

Comedy film Mother’s Day opens May 4, 2016 in Philippine cinemas via OctoArts Films International.