Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this movie contains a mess of mixed messages all neatly wrapped in stereotypes. There is an unfeeling scene of simulated sex, adultery, cruel mother/daughter behavior, drinking, drinking, drinking, and lots of salty language and gestures.
Families who see this movie can talk about classism and sexism. They might ask their kids what the filmmakers were trying to say about marriage, mother/daughter relationships, and cultural identity.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Nell Minow
Oh boy. Where to begin? The witchy wife? The drunken mother-in-law? The now stale portrayal of the hapless Adam Sandler as the sweet husband who's at the mercy of all the fates around him? This movie preys on every known stereotype in its reach for laughter. And leaves everyone looking pretty bad.
The story centers on Flor, a single immigrant mother from Mexico who is trying to raise her beautiful daughter, Cristina. Flor goes to work as a maid for the wealthy John, a kindly chef played by Adam Sandler, and Deborah, his mean-spirited wife played with brutal coldness by Tea Leoni. Supposed comic relief comes from Leoni's alcoholic mother, Cloris Leachman, who is supposed to stand as some sort of moral arbiter as she points out her daughter's faults.
Leoni's daughter, Bernice, played by Sarah Steele, isn't good enough for the perfectionist Leoni and yes, you guessed it, Leoni takes over the care and grooming of Cristina while the kind Flor nurses the emotional bruises of the constantly criticized Bernice.
Families who enjoy this movie might also watch As Good As It Gets and In Good Company.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSimulated intercourse, crass sexual humor. |
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Violence |
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LanguageSexual gestures, disrespectful, not tea party talk for sure ("f--k," "s--t"). |
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Social BehaviorYikes. Where to begin? |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoPut it this way: Grandma's a lovable drunk. |
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