The Throwback

The Throwback is a tender grown-up person film about parenting, the fight against getting older and duller, and ultimately the power of strong loving relationships that can make not being young tolerable.

While The Throwback is structured somewhat like a reverse of Big - 1988's Tom Hanks classic about a child occupying an adult body - the switch from middle aged mom to late teen younger self is a much more interesting, less well trodden path, and is handled with a deft hand by debutant director Mario Garcia.

Garcia lets the audience cheer unashamedly and vicariously at the obvious stuff - soccer mom doing shots at pool parties - before nudging us towards more thoughtful less black and white ideas about the differences between being young and irresponsible and older with kids. Refreshingly the movie doesn't try to drag you to a trite conclusion about whether being old is better, or worse or (yawn) just different.

There is enough room left for the audience to make their own mind up either way and that's what makes the movie so engaging and easy to enjoy.

Garcia loves nudging the audience towards a gag, and he keeps the comedy train on track. But he wraps the fun in enough intellect to make The Throwback interesting as well as funny.

That would have been a lot harder without two lead actors used to straddling that divide and who seem perfectly cast for this film. Justina Machado is super easy to see as the hot mom who can just about get away with suddenly become a party girl without it seeming silly to everyone, particularly if you remember her Six Feet Under heyday when she was equally brilliant as here (and just as hot).

And Will Sasso's big dad bod bursting with love for his spiraling wife is a step up in responsibility from his balancing sidekick role in Loudermilk but he brings an understated physical humor to the role while steering clear of absolute slapstick - mostly.

If you have kids and at times wish you didn't, this movie gets you - the guilt, the frustration, the impatience, the love, the routine, the tedium. And if the kids are out or tucked up in bed on a Friday night some time soon, The Throwback is a 100-minute escape from all that and a chance to feel okay about yourself.

If you're tired of heavy dramas and intense thrillers, "The Throwback" is the perfect breath of fresh air you need. Directed by newcomer Mario Garcia, this film is a rollercoaster ride through midlife crises, parenting struggles, and the joy of rediscovering lost dreams.

At its core, "The Throwback" taps into a fantasy many parents secretly harbor-an escape from the daily grind to pursue the passions they left behind for family life. Justina Machado shines as the overlooked "supermom" who, after a post-traumatic meltdown, reverts to her carefree college self, sparking chaos and laughter.

While the premise might seem familiar, "The Throwback" brings a fresh perspective by diving into the complexities of aging, parenthood, and the quest for happiness. Director Garcia strikes a perfect balance between humor and emotion, ensuring every laugh is backed by genuine heart.

What makes "The Throwback" stand out is its refusal to offer easy answers about youth versus adulthood. Instead, it encourages viewers to reflect on life's twists and turns while enjoying the ride.

With its catchy soundtrack, clever writing, and relatable characters, "The Throwback" is a delightful escape for anyone craving a feel-good movie night. Whether you're a parent longing for a break or simply in need of a smile, this film delivers 100 minutes of pure entertainment.

In short, "The Throwback" is a charming mix of humor, heart, and nostalgia that resonates on a human level. Don't miss out on this light-hearted gem that will leave you grinning long after the credits roll.

I went into The Throwback intrigued by its premise, and while it didn't fully hit every note for me, it was still an enjoyable watch. Justina Machado is fantastic, bringing charm and depth to her role as a wife navigating a life-changing crisis. Will Sasso is equally endearing as her steadfast husband, offering a great mix of humor and heart. Some parts of the story felt predictable, and certain subplots could have been explored further, but Mario García's direction keeps the film moving along nicely. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a feel-good, lighthearted drama with relatable themes.

This movie keeps you engaged throughout the full duration. The actors were great and were very relatable. Although the premise of the change that occurred with the main actress was fictitious, it was funny and she is extremely likeable, adorable actually, EXTREMELY. The husband is a good guy and it's very hard not to like him, I'm sure most married men can related to what he was experiencing at time.

Not that you need to be married, but I could relate to a lot of the situations and details that were included in the movie.

It's a light-hearted, feel-good movie. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Funny and relatable, great way to spend a Saturday night on the couch with a bowl of popcorn. The throwback was charming and unique. The acting was fantastic, this movie was perfectly cast. And we love Justina Machado, such talent. We laughed and laughed - it was great to watch as a family as the theme is so relevant to today's family.

Imagine being stressed and overwhelmed by everyday life with two young children and a husband to take care of, and feeling your career is simply not enough. Then suddenly forgetting about all of these responsibilities and regressing to college time, where all dreams were possibilities. How different your life could be! This feel good movie has a premise we can probably all relate to.