Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unstable woman saves dysfunctional family in offbeat comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mental
What's the Story?
With five demanding daughters, a husband who refuses to come home, and the hostile glares of disapproving neighbors, Shirley Moochmore (Rebecca Gibney) has reached the end of her rope, suffering a nervous breakdown in spectacularly musical fashion. After checking her into a MENTAL hospital, Barry Moochmore (Anthony LaPaglia) recruits kooky drifter Shaz (Toni Collette) as nanny to his kids, although it's not certain whether the new caretaker is totally sane in this dark Australian comedy
Is It Any Good?
This film is unbridled and intense -- and we don't just mean the cinematography. Movies with a bizarrely refreshing point of view are a joy to watch (see Muriel's Wedding, which was also directed by Mental helmer P.J. Hogan), especially when they pack a walloping mix of humor and pathos. In this regard, Mental is a joy.
But delightfully strange as it is, Mental is also very predictable. From the moment Shaz enters the scene, we know, pretty much, that in fixing the family she's suddenly part of, she will, in some way, fix what's broken with herself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Mental is trying to say about who's labeled mentally ill vs. who's considered normal. Is Shaz insane or just willing to ignore social conventions?
Why is the Moochmore family so broken? Why does the father refuse to come home? How have his actions damaged his wife and daughters? Which of them, if any, are actually mentally ill?
Who do you think Mental is intended to appeal to? Does it succeed? Do you consider it a dark comedy, a drama, or a mix of both?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 29, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : June 4, 2013
- Cast : Anthony LaPaglia , Liev Schreiber , Toni Collette
- Director : P.J. Hogan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Dada Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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