Parents' Guide to

Mom's Day Away

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Wholesome sitcom-style Mother's Day story is just OK.

Movie NR 2015 83 minutes
Mom's Day Away Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

Mother's Day weekend is at hand, but no one in the Miller household seems to notice in MOM'S DAY AWAY. Mom Laura (Bonnie Somerville in a winning, natural performance) takes everything in stride as she covers all the family's needs with only the slightest bit of frustration. Dad Michael (James Tupper) and the two kids, age 12 and 16, offer little in the way of help, appreciation, or consideration. A surprise visit from Laura's BFF, Trish (Ona Grauer), changes everything. Both talented architects, the two old friends have taken entirely different paths, and Trish knows Laura almost better than Laura knows herself. A weekend of fun and relaxation is what "doctor" Trish prescribes for Laura, and Laura, with only the slightest hesitation, accepts. What follows is a traditional escape: shopping, karaoke, a day spa, and then an overnight a visit to a lavish resort. Most of all, it's an opportunity for Trish, Laura, and the family she leaves behind (but just barely -- Laura's always accessible by cell phone) to take fresh looks at the lives they lead and what the future holds for them.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Good-natured but bland, this movie has situations and dilemmas that audiences have seen countless times before. Women reevaluate their life roles, a man comes to terms with his partner as an individual, kids take on responsibilities and learn what it means to be active members of a family. Nicely photographed with a number of solid performances, the film has a plot and tone that are consistently middle-brow. Situations are shopworn (messy bedrooms, a boy-crazy 12-year-old, an inept new driver). There are no dramatic peaks and valleys or intense "aha" moments, and the minor conflicts are low-key with very predictable outcomes. Harmless and mildly entertaining, this Hallmark TV movie simply doesn't add up to much.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the dynamics in the Miller family. Do you think this traditional family with the hardworking father, the overworked, selfless stay-at-home mom, and two indulged teen kids is the norm or ideal today? What different kinds of families are you aware of? How does your family set priorities and manage responsibilities?

  • Look up the film term "montage." In what ways does a filmed montage assist in telling a story? Did the "day out" montage in this movie serve as a shorthand to insights into the characters and the setting of tone and provide opportunities for comedy?

  • What does it mean when a movie is "predictable"? Were you surprised by any of the story's events? At what point in your viewing did you know how the movie would end?

Movie Details

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