Mother

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2:22

Mother

PG-13

Released Dec 25, 1996

1h 44m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

47 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

A writer believes the key to solving his many troubles with the opposite sex can be found by retracing the steps of his youth. Science-fiction scribe John Henderson (Albert Brooks) can't find a solid relationship, so he moves back in with his mother, Beatrice (Debbie Reynolds). John means well, and he seems to genuinely believe that a better understanding of his mom will lead to dating success. But when they begin to bicker, both start rethinking the arrangement.

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Critics Consensus

Albert Brooks' pugnacious insight is in fine form throughout Mother, a gentle showcase for the comedic curmudgeon and a sweetly acidic Debbie Reynolds.

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Chuck Bowen

Slant Magazine

The film is a loving yet obsessive parody of the generational stereotypes that stand between the Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation.

Aug 27, 2024

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Richard Brody

The New Yorker

Reynolds's exquisitely calibrated, mercurially comedic performance reveals the stifled passions that inform a lifetime of rigidly refined habits.

Sep 14, 2020

Full Review

David Edelstein

Slate

Brooks' minimalism can be amazingly jampacked, but Mother is perilously slack.

Jun 5, 2020

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Joshua Ryan

FandomWire

There’s nothing groundbreaking about the structure or ideas presented here; however, the film succeeds on the shoulders of Brooks’ charm and charisma.

Rated: 7/10

Oct 1, 2024

Full Review

Mitchell Beaupre

Paste Magazine

Like Brooks’ best work, there’s an aura of comfort and familiarity, of warmth amidst the neuroses, with a self-effacing acidity underneath.

Rated: 8.5/10

Mar 25, 2024

Full Review

Dave Giannini

InSession Film

In some ways, Mother is the most frustrating kind of movie. It has a decent hook, and you can see what Brooks is going for. But it definitely never comes close to earning its way through that premise.

Feb 20, 2024

Full Review

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Mason M

Definitely not Brooks's best, but still a fun watch and again proving his talent at writing endings

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/07/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Funny and poignant. Recommended for anyone who has or has had a mother. The negative reviewers obviously have mommy issues.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

steve d

I thought it was far nastier than funny.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Thanks to an Apple glitch may be the most expensive film I've ever watched. This film brought back memories of my grandmother who I seldom got to see and died almost 30 years ago. The recurring picture phone joke is great and at least a decade ahead of its time.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Audience Member

One of my favorite movies. Brilliantly captures, in dramatic and comedic dialogue, the sophisticated dynamics between mother and sons. I purchased four copies of the movie to lend to friends. Albert Brooks is genius in writing, acting and directing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Admittedly sitcom-ish, but the dry wit is appealing.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

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Albert Brooks

Director

Albert Brooks

John Henderson

Debbie Reynolds

Beatrice Henderson

Rob Morrow

Jeff Henderson

Lisa Kudrow

Linda

John C. McGinley

Carl

Mother: Official Clip - Sweet Tooth

1:37

Mother: Official Clip - Oedipus Complex

2:00

Mother: Official Clip - Does That Look a Little Green to You?

2:03

Mother: Official Clip - I'm Gonna Move Back in With Mother

1:45

Mother: Official Clip - We Know Why She Hates Me

1:54

Mother: Official Clip - A Trip to the Mall

1:59

Mother: Official Clip - Follow Me

1:45

Mother: Official Clip - Shopping

1:40

Mother: Official Clip - That's a Lot of Cheese

1:43

Mother: Official Clip - Mrs. Henderson

1:59

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Mother: Trailer 1

2:22

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Synopsis

A writer believes the key to solving his many troubles with the opposite sex can be found by retracing the steps of his youth. Science-fiction scribe John Henderson (Albert Brooks) can't find a solid relationship, so he moves back in with his mother, Beatrice (Debbie Reynolds). John means well, and he seems to genuinely believe that a better understanding of his mom will lead to dating success. But when they begin to bicker, both start rethinking the arrangement.

Director: Albert Brooks
Producer: Herb Nanas, Scott Rudin
Screenwriter: Albert Brooks
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.1M
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Surround

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