Terms of Endearment

What’s the Story?

In order to escape her overbearing mother Aurora (Shirley MacLaine), Emma (Debra Winger) marries a man of questionable merit. But Mamma cannot let go, even when Emma's family relocates for work. Things are tough personally and financially for Emma in her new community, and three kids later, she ends up having an affair with a dowdy local bank manager. Left alone at home, lonely Aurora eventually agrees to date next-door- neighbor Joe (Jack Nicholson), an obnoxious ex-astronaut who seemingly has all the wrong stuff. Mother and daughter continue to share every detail of their lives, including Emma's marital troubles and Aurora's newly awakened interest in sex. Things take a drastic turn for the worse when Emma is diagnosed with cancer. The end is slow and painful for Emma and her family.

Is It Any Good?

This engaging movie cleaned up at the Academy Awards, winning Best Picture and Best Director Oscars for James L. Brooks, and a Best Actress nod for Shirley MacLaine. And it's easy to see why. This is the kind of well-made movie that Hollywood used to make on a regular basis. It's glossy, funny, and packs a real emotional wallop in its tragic conclusion.

Skilled performances make an absorbing story even more appealing. MacLaine and Deborah Winger provide most of the sparks, but they're well-supported by an exuberant Jack Nicholson and a superb cast of extras. The movie is populated with rich and genuinely funny supporting characters, including Jeff Daniels. Aurora is an embarrassment of neurotic riches, and MacLaine plays moments of embarrassment to the hilt. While a bit risqué for preteens, the rest of the family will laugh and weep through this charming movie.