Normally, I would be the first person to put down a Jennifer Lopez movie that isn’t a romantic comedy. She’s always just been a romantic comedy actress to me, and before the world comes for me, that’s not a bad thing. I love a romantic comedy. They are my movie of choice.
But that being said, I knew that I had to sit down and watch The Mother. Sure, it may be the fact that I can’t move and that I’ve had a muscle relaxer, but it may also may be the fact that it’s hot and I miss the snow. Who knows, but here we are and I am talking nicely about a Jennifer Lopez movie.
Because yes, it was a movie I enjoyed.
I like a Jennifer Lopez action movie and really want a sequel. I have so many questions. I need to know more. I need Maury Povich to tell me who the Daddy is. Yes, I went there, because even though the movie keeps telling you it isn’t important, I would disagree.
It’s About This: The Mother is Jennifer Lopez. She is trying to broker a deal with the feds, but quickly learns that the FBI is following one of the “bad guys” but she knows that means bad dude is following them, which means that they are all in trouble.
Bad dude is Lovell (Joseph Fiennes) who happens to scare the shit out of me, so yes, I get her fear. She wasn’t wrong though because he does show up and she’s gotta go primal on his ass. He deserves it though, because he’s cray and he stabs her. Like sees her pregnant and stabs her. What a psycho.
The FBI makes her give up her daughter, I was like of course the government is a bitch. They make her feel like she has no choice but to give up her child and you can see the obvious pain that it causes her.
What I love about Jennifer Lopez’s portrayal of The Mother is that she has the best bitchy resting face, but you can see the emotions in her eyes. She is this strong, fierce, and independent woman, but she’s also this woman that is aching for vulnerability.
12 years later, she’s remained off the grid, living in Alaska. She receives a letter and she has to go. Her daughter is in trouble. She doesn’t even blink before starting to get ready to go. Now, you have to be somewhat impressed because she’s got an arsenal in her cabin and she’s like ready to take on anyone.
Zoe (the daughter) is living a happy life in Ohio. Not really sure how one is happy in Ohio, but that may just be a personal thing with me. The Mother is watching over her, but Zoe is just minding her business, when she gets kidnapped. The Mother and hot FBI agent try to save her, but they can’t and Zoe ends up being taken to Cuba.
Now in Cuba we meet am I the daddy prospect number one. He’s a drug lord, gun runner, or something. TBH, I don’t know. What I do know is that he straight up ave me the creeps and I felt like I needed to take a show to wash off the ick.
The Mother and hot FBI agent are able to save her, but it’s just still not safe. The Mother is ready to leave her when they get back, but something apparently tells her that she needs to chase after Zoe and the hot FBI agent. When she gets to them, am I the daddy prospect number two is there. Lovell, he’s the dude that she went primal on and he stabbed her when she was trying to make the deal with the FBI. He’s also apparently jealous of hot FBI agent and takes his revenge.
The Mother and Zoe are able to get away and we go on a long road of the two finding their way to coexist. Also, teaching Zoe sh** no 12 year old should know.
What It’s Theme Song Should Be: We’re going to go with Mother by Meghan Trainor, with a side of Eye of the Tiger.
It Feels Like This: The Mother is a non-stop ride. I would be the first to argue that it would have been great on the big screen, I know that some movies are meant for screening. That being said it feels like the Terminator, but yes, there is no robot type sh** (or whatever the Terminator was). It’s the fierceness of someone not willing to give up and going to any length to protect what is theirs. It feels like you’re on this mission and then you’re going through all the stages of bonding with your parent and then you’re like wait, what?
And the whole time you’re wishing that someone would call their Mama or Maury Povich to ask for a DNA test.
It Made Us Think About This: It made me think about my own Mom, but also who I would be as a Mom. It also made me think about The Mother and how well, she definitely doesn’t know what to teach her 12 year old.
But mostly it made me think that it was time that all female led films aren’t romantic comedies. It made me think about the power of a Mom and the never ending unconditional tie that you have to your child.
Standout Performance: While I want to go with Jennifer Lopez, because I was pleasantly surprised with her performance, I am going to have to go with Lucy Paez. She gave everything to her role. She was both strong and vulnerable. She is a kid, but it was just the way that she just gave it everything and really reminded us the angst of being a kid that made her performance stand out.
Who To Watch It With: We would watch it with anyone, but you know, if you have kids and watch it with them, they may tell you that they are old enough to do what Zoe does and well, they don’t understand movie magic.
When To Watch (Or Not Watch): For this writer, it made my heart race and I was filled with adrenaline, so I wouldn’t suggest right before bed.
Overall Emotional Response: It kinda saddens me that this movie wasn’t on the big screen, because it definitely deserves to be. I can’t even begin to imagine what it would have been like that huge, but I want to. The movie showcased Jennifer Lopez in a light that I, personally, haven’t felt from her. She was great in the role of The Mother. Not to mention a great supporting cast that all fell together really well.
Breaking It Down
Chemistry: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Supporting Cast Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Action: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
