JoBlo
02-24-2002, 02:42 PM
MR. MOM (1983)
Director: Stan Dragoti
Starring: Michael Keaton, Teri Garr, Martin Mull
I remember this movie as being one of my more favorite comedies when I was younger, so I was hesitant to test its reciliency close to 20 years after its initial release, but am happy to report that it still stands up and most importantly, is still pretty damn funny! In fact, I would say that this is definitely Michael Keaton's best comical role ever. But he's not the only character who works in this movie, they're all good. Everyone from Teri Garr, as the transitioning mother, Martin Mull as the sleazy boss, Ann Jillian as the slutty best friend, Jeffrey Tambor as the jerk from work and the adorable kids...everyone comes up with fun and interesting performances, and the script does the rest.
Credit screenwriter John Hughes for taking a movie which is basically just an over-the-top comedy, and lacing it with the obvious issues that men/women were facing around that time. What happens when a woman/wife goes to work all day and the man/husband stays home with the kids? Is it even possible? This movie gives you a really cool view of all sides, and like I said earlier, it does so in a very funny way and makes for a great bookend to another solid "family oriented" film, PARENTHOOD.
The film also pays tribute to several noted films from around that time including JAWS, ROCKY, CHARIOTS OF FIRE and E.T., and features one of the funnier company olympic races that I've ever seen. But give it up to Keaton for keeping this puppy in high gear the whole way. He plays his character perfectly, going from a macho man's man, to a first-time home-keeper, to a soap opera queen (great "dream" sequence too!), to the ultimate go-getter and everything in between. And who can't help but laugh while watching Michael Keaton in full beard, a plaid shirt and a beer in his hands watching cheesy soaps....and loving it!!
Anyway, if you haven't seen this movie in a long time, do yourself and pick it up asap because it's still a gas. And if you're one of those people who has yet to witness this baby in the first place, rent it whenever you can and prepare to enjoy the humor, the sweet moments, the deep-rooted family values and all the fun they have with the role reversals in the movie (note the TV repair-woman and the women who go to a strip joint). It's also one of John Hughes' earliest screenplays, so if you're a fan of his work, I'm sure that you'll get a kick out of it as well (although I could see how some might see it as "dated"). I loved it, nostalgia, laughs, Keaton and all!
Jack Butler (Keaton): You wanna beer?
Ron Richardson (Mull): It's 7 o'clock in the morning.
Jack Butler (Keaton): Scotch?
Director: Stan Dragoti
Starring: Michael Keaton, Teri Garr, Martin Mull
I remember this movie as being one of my more favorite comedies when I was younger, so I was hesitant to test its reciliency close to 20 years after its initial release, but am happy to report that it still stands up and most importantly, is still pretty damn funny! In fact, I would say that this is definitely Michael Keaton's best comical role ever. But he's not the only character who works in this movie, they're all good. Everyone from Teri Garr, as the transitioning mother, Martin Mull as the sleazy boss, Ann Jillian as the slutty best friend, Jeffrey Tambor as the jerk from work and the adorable kids...everyone comes up with fun and interesting performances, and the script does the rest.
Credit screenwriter John Hughes for taking a movie which is basically just an over-the-top comedy, and lacing it with the obvious issues that men/women were facing around that time. What happens when a woman/wife goes to work all day and the man/husband stays home with the kids? Is it even possible? This movie gives you a really cool view of all sides, and like I said earlier, it does so in a very funny way and makes for a great bookend to another solid "family oriented" film, PARENTHOOD.
The film also pays tribute to several noted films from around that time including JAWS, ROCKY, CHARIOTS OF FIRE and E.T., and features one of the funnier company olympic races that I've ever seen. But give it up to Keaton for keeping this puppy in high gear the whole way. He plays his character perfectly, going from a macho man's man, to a first-time home-keeper, to a soap opera queen (great "dream" sequence too!), to the ultimate go-getter and everything in between. And who can't help but laugh while watching Michael Keaton in full beard, a plaid shirt and a beer in his hands watching cheesy soaps....and loving it!!
Anyway, if you haven't seen this movie in a long time, do yourself and pick it up asap because it's still a gas. And if you're one of those people who has yet to witness this baby in the first place, rent it whenever you can and prepare to enjoy the humor, the sweet moments, the deep-rooted family values and all the fun they have with the role reversals in the movie (note the TV repair-woman and the women who go to a strip joint). It's also one of John Hughes' earliest screenplays, so if you're a fan of his work, I'm sure that you'll get a kick out of it as well (although I could see how some might see it as "dated"). I loved it, nostalgia, laughs, Keaton and all!
Jack Butler (Keaton): You wanna beer?
Ron Richardson (Mull): It's 7 o'clock in the morning.
Jack Butler (Keaton): Scotch?