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Lovely and Amazing
By Kelly Kessler,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Mature story about relationships and family.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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What's the Story?
The ironically titled LOVELY AND AMAZING chronicles the mid-life crises of three self-loathing sisters and their equally despondent mother. Jane (Brenda Blethyn), who lives in her suburban home with her adopted overweight African-American daughter Annie (Raven Goodwin), prepares to enter the hospital for liposuction. Meanwhile, her two grown daughters, Elizabeth (Emily Mortimer), an actor, and Michelle (Catherine Keener), a struggling artist, have hit major difficulties in both their careers and relationships. As their problems crash headlong into each other, mother and daughters must figure out how to care for each other and themselves.
Is It Any Good?
Though the characters are a bit wearing and self-indulgent, Lovely and Amazing is an overall engaging film. It examines the personal struggles of women caught between self-esteem, social pressures, and a drive to succeed. The film gained praise on the independent circuit, garnering Emily Mortimer a Best Supporting Actress Independent Spirit Award. Keener and Goodwin received nominations, along with the film's director/screenwriter Nicole Holofcener. Lovely and Amazing serves as a fabulous vehicle for four strong actors.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the title. Do you think any of these characters are lovely or amazing? Do you think the title was a good choice? How do you think movies get their titles in general? How important is the title to you? Families may also want to talk about the body image issues presented here. How do you think Jane's decision to have liposuction impacts her young overweight daughter -- or her grown underweight one?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 28, 2002
- On DVD or streaming: September 9, 2003
- Cast: Brenda Blethyn , Catherine Keener , Jake Gyllenhaal
- Director: Nicole Holofcener
- Inclusion Information: Middle Eastern/North African actors
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language and nudity
- Last updated: January 6, 2023
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