The Mother

This film is essentially a 2023 remake of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Commando movie with a women protagonist, and instead of tropical island scenes it takes place in Alaska. It has the same cheesy and over the top cliches, but without the self-awareness that it's such. Jennifer Lopez is good enough in the role of an action hero type, but the story, script, and filmography are disjointed and convoluted. The major problem is it has the absurdly unrealistic aspects of a shoot-em-up movie (laughably impossible feats, innumerable henchmen taken out with ease, and a scar-faced antagonist) while trying to be a serious action/drama film. It would have been better if they had chosen one or the other.

After I've seen the documentary Halftime (2022), Jennifer Lopez can film whatever generic movie she might imagine and I'll give her credit for that. In fact, after watching Halftime I've seen Gigli (2003) and found it not bad as everyone is trying to convince you-

Is The Mother a bad movie? No. Is it generic? Yes, so what. I've seen a lot of trash getting rave reviews and ratings on this website. In this sense, The Mother is not very different from any contemporary action movie.

At the same time there are some genuine emotional moments, in particular everything surrounding the character played by Jenifer Lopez and her daughter. This alone is more than most of contemporary action movies offer. If in doubt about my observations, please watch anything from John Wick franchise and tell me it isn't trash.

I Wouldn't have been surprised if Steven Segal just showed up and did a sit down flight scene with J-Lo.

It didnt take me long to realise the kind of film I was watching, and truthfully I only made it past the first act. Some scenes were straight up rip offs of other Hollywood films that did the same sequences much better. J-Lo got very annoying very quickly with her "Im a badass boss" attitude that didnt waiver long enough for me to get to know any other traits of her character. One straight face monotonous performance that got very cold very fast.

Netflix is smart, because they dont care about reviews, they know for a fact people are going to click on this film because its a click away, they know they will prolly make some money from this barely passable film.

This film demonstrates proficiency, which makes it an acceptable entry into the action genre. However, the film ultimately suffers from the familiar and foreseeable nature of its plot, failing to bring any new or innovative elements to the table.

The film is evident in its predictability, where viewers may anticipate the next plot twist or outcome. The villains, unfortunately, lack depth and development, leaving them feeling underdeveloped and lacking in impact.

While this film may still find favour with fans of Jennifer Lopez, others seeking a truly memorable and groundbreaking action thriller may be left wanting more. Its reliance on established tropes and formulaic storytelling hinders its ability to stand out among the vast array of films within the genre. Ultimately, while it offers some positive elements, it falls short of leaving a lasting impression or pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

"The Mother" attempts to deliver a fast-paced action experience, but unfortunately, it falls short of bringing anything new to the table. While the film does showcase some well-shot and engaging action sequences at the beginning, it fails to deliver in terms of character development and emotional depth.

From the start, it becomes apparent that "The Mother" prioritizes action over substance. While the action sequences may be visually appealing, they lack originality and fail to offer any fresh ideas or innovative choreography. The film becomes a predictable series of adrenaline-fueled moments, with little to surprise or captivate the audience.

One of the major shortcomings of "The Mother" is the lack of character development. The characters feel one-dimensional and fail to evoke any real emotional connection from the audience. The film misses an opportunity to explore the complex relationships, internal conflicts, and personal growth that could have added depth to the story. By neglecting these elements, the film becomes superficial, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment.

Furthermore, the final fight scene is marred by a questionable decision made by the villain. It feels contrived and unrealistic when the antagonist fails to take an easy shot, expecting a moment of vulnerability from the protagonist. This lapse in logic takes away from the overall credibility of the film and leaves the audience scratching their heads.

Overall, "The Mother" falls into the realm of mediocrity. While it starts off with well-executed action sequences, it fails to offer anything substantial in terms of storytelling or character development. The lack of emotional depth and conflict limits the film's potential to truly engage and resonate with the audience.

"The Mother" may provide some fleeting entertainment for action enthusiasts who are solely seeking adrenaline-pumping sequences. However, for those looking for a more compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience, this film may leave them feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.