A staff report

As Mother’s Day approaches, many of us are searching for the perfect way to celebrate the incredible women in our lives. One timeless way to honor moms is by spending quality time together, and what better way to do that than by cozying up for a movie night? Here are five heartwarming movies that are perfect for watching with your mom on her special day:

1. “Mamma Mia!” (2008)
This feel-good musical is a celebration of love, family, and friendship. Set on a picturesque Greek island, the film follows a young woman named Sophie who invites three of her mother’s former lovers to her wedding in the hopes of discovering her true father. With catchy ABBA tunes, stunning scenery, and a message of unconditional love, “Mamma Mia!” is sure to put a smile on your mom’s face.

2. “Little Women” (2019)
Based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, this adaptation tells the timeless story of the March sisters as they navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up in Civil War-era America. With its strong female characters, themes of sisterhood and resilience, and beautiful cinematography, “Little Women” is a poignant tribute to the enduring bond between mothers and daughters.

3. “The Joy Luck Club” (1993)
Adapted from Amy Tan’s bestselling novel, “The Joy Luck Club” explores the complex relationships between four Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. Through a series of interconnected stories, the film delves into themes of cultural identity, generational conflict, and the enduring power of maternal love. It’s a moving and thought-provoking film that will resonate with mothers and daughters alike.

4. “Brave” (2012)
In this animated adventure from Disney Pixar, a fiery-haired Scottish princess named Merida defies tradition and sets out to change her fate, inadvertently putting her mother’s life in jeopardy. Filled with humor, heart, and stunning animation, “Brave” celebrates the bond between mothers and daughters while sending a powerful message about courage, independence, and the importance of understanding and respecting one another’s perspectives.

5. “Steel Magnolias” (1989)
This beloved ensemble drama follows a group of Southern women as they navigate love, loss, and friendship in a small Louisiana town. At its heart is the enduring bond between M’Lynn, played by Sally Field, and her daughter Shelby, portrayed by Julia Roberts, as they face the challenges of Shelby’s health and the unbreakable spirit of their community. “Steel Magnolias” is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, with performances that will leave you reaching for the tissues.

No matter which movie you choose, the most important thing is spending quality time with your mom and showing her how much she means to you. So grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and enjoy a memorable movie night together this Mother’s Day.

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Unfrosted opens with Jerry Seinfeld’s character, Bob Cabana, as he tells a young boy the fantastical tale of how Pop-Tarts were invented. We then warp back to the 1960s, a time when breakfast belonged solely to Kellogg’s and Post, locked as they are in a comical rivalry. This high-stakes competition pushes both companies to create the next breakfast revolution, resulting in the birth of the iconic Pop-Tart – and its lesser-known competitor, Post’s Country Squares.

Unfrosted is a heavily fictional reimagining of how the Pop-Tarts were invented. It is so fictional that the film even teases that one of the experiments led to the birth of a sea-monkey (brine shrimp) ravioli-like creature. Seinfeld throws in a ton of wacky historical cameos, taking some creative liberties with the past for laughs. At a point, the film teases that people like Jack LaLane, professional fitness coach, Steve Schwinn, founder of the Schwinn bicycle company, and Tom Carvel, who invented soft ice cream, were brought together to make the Pop-Tarts.In a lighter moment, McCarthy’s Donna suggests that even Albert Einstein could have been involved in the invention, if not for his passing. Seinfeld’s playful use of historical figures and his signature humour bring some hilarious punches. However, some political references and character cameos might fly over the heads of those unfamiliar with American history. The head-scratching could get in the way of the comedy.

Identical twins with opposite personalities are as big a part of thrillers as creepy kids are to horror. And if a romantic interest gets involved, the story becomes even more twisted. The Image of You follows Anna and Zoe (Sasha Pieterse, Pretty Little Liars), twin sisters who are close, but nothing alike. When Anna meets charismatic stock broker Nick (Parker Young, Call Me Kat), she thinks is perfect. Zoe is not so trusting and is determined to find out if he is really as great as he seems to be. 

Erotic thrillers are at their best when the focus is teasing the audience. That is certainly the case with The Image of You. The film provides plenty of titillating moments and sexy lingerie. Pieterse and Young have the smoldering looks and chemistry to make sure that anyone watching never looks away. It is a throwback to the halcyon days when the genre ruled late night cable. 

It really should not work. The plot is too derivative, the constant split screen is distracting, and the mystery lacks any tension. Yet, everything comes together thanks to some outrageous twists and the film’s willingness to never take itself too seriously. The Image of You is very much a case of style of substance, and it knows it.

While there are outliers, sex scenes in movies have decreased dramatically. Once a right of passage for teenagers, erotic thrillers have all but disappeared. The Image of You will not be the start of a resurgence of either, but it does stand out in today’s more sterile cinematic landscape. It is the type of entertaining fluff there is not enough of anymore.

The Image of You is out now on digital

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