Mama's Boy - Fils à maman

Hey guys, I don't understand why everybody is knocking this film. I didn't think it was great, but it was good. I first saw Jon in his breakout film Napoleon Dynamite, and yes, it was pretty funny. He played a geeky guy in that movie, and a lot of people found his character kind of a geek in this movie. However, I liked him in this movie, probably because I was a geek in high school and I kind of bonded with his character. However I did not live at home with my Mom til I was in my 30's.

Jeff Daniels, well, you either liked his character or you didn't. I personally liked his character, he plays the kind of character that you love to hate. Diane Keaton, I thought was brilliant as the Kool-Aid Mom. She's the kind of mother that every kid wished they had. Anna Faris, it's funny, because I'm used to seeing her in comedies like the Scary Movie series, however, I loved her playing the straight character for once. It's great to have another good upcoming star.

This movie was pretty funny, however it did have a serious side, the storyline was okay, the acting was pretty good. I wouldn't buy this movie, but I liked watching it.

'What the hell did I just watch????' Those were my closing thoughts after I subjected myself to one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. Some movies are bad. Some movies suck. But there's only one movie that's horrible enough to claim the title worst movie ever made: this movie.

But just how bad is it? I'm glad you asked. I can sum it up as 93 of the longest minutes of my life. The movie just wouldn't end. I'm sure it didn't help that I was looking at the clock every ten seconds. It might even be a be a benefit in that way. Say you only have 93 minutes to live. Hell, sit through this colossal mess of a film and then seconds will stretch on like years.

What the problem that is wasn't funny? Sort of. Was it funny? No. But that wasn't the problem. The problem was that there were no jokes. Some movies aren't funny, but at least they make an attempt to be. This movie didn't even try. It's like the producers just slapped together words in a certain order for a 'script' (I use that term very loosely for this movie) and then cast well-respected actors to earn back it's budget.

Which brings me to my next point: the actors. Diane Keaton is a previous Oscar-winner who's starred in classic films such as 'The Godfather,' 'The Godfather Part II,' and 'Annie Hall.' Now she's doing this kind of garbage? There must not be much work out there. Same goes for Jeff Daniels. I wouldn't consider him a great actor, but he's been in some solid films over the years. And Eli Wallach? You appeared in one of my favorite films of all time in 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.' I guess you don't tread too far away from unfamiliar territory, because this is film is UGLY (for all the wrong reasons.)

I'm going on too long about this film. It's already wasted too much of my time. My only hope in writing this review was to scare away potential viewers. To warn them of the dangerous, life-scarring, torturous, agonizing, cruel experience that would await. How anyone could rate this movie about a 3 is beyond me. They either 1) accidentally rated the wrong film 2) worked on the film (though that's not something to be proud of) or 3) are on drugs of some sort (maybe that will somewhat salvage this mess.)

If you watch this whole movie, start to finish, you deserve some type of reward, my friend. If you can sit through it twice, my God, you must be inhuman.

Mama's Boy is a delightful comedy/drama movie that skillfully blends laughter and heartfelt emotions. Starring Jon Heder and Jeff Daniels, this underrated gem takes viewers on a thoroughly entertaining journey filled with quirky characters, amusing situations, and valuable life lessons.

One of the movie's greatest strengths lies in its stellar cast. Jon Heder shines in his role as the endearing and socially awkward manchild, Jeffrey Mannus. Heder's comedic timing and physical comedy prowess bring the character to life, infusing every scene with laughter and charm.

Equally brilliant is Jeff Daniels, who portrays Jeffrey's charismatic and rebellious mother's new love interest. Daniels effortlessly balances the movie's humor and emotional depth, resulting in a multi-dimensional performance that adds a layer of authenticity to the story.

The movie's clever script, written by Hank Nelken, strikes a perfect balance between comedy and drama. The humor is lighthearted and often absurd, with moments that will have you laughing out loud. Yet, amidst the laughter, the movie explores themes of personal growth, family dynamics, and the importance of letting go. The heartfelt moments are beautifully woven into the narrative, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Mama's Boy also benefits from its supporting cast, featuring strong performances from Diane Keaton as Jeffrey's overprotective and loving mother, Anna Faris as his free-spirited love interest, and a hilarious turn by Dorian Missick as his best friend. The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, resulting in believable relationships and countless memorable moments.

Visually, the movie captures the essence of its suburban setting with vibrant colors and a warm cinematography. The production design succeeds in creating a cozy and familiar atmosphere, serving as a backdrop for the characters' humorous and heartwarming escapades.

Ultimately, Mama's Boy is a hidden comedy/drama gem that deserves more recognition. With its endearing characters, clever writing, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, this movie leaves a lasting impression. It reminds us of the complexity of family relationships, the importance of finding our own independence, and the joy that comes from embracing change.

If you're in the mood for a feel-good movie that will make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings, Mama's Boy is an absolute must-watch. So gather your loved ones, settle in, and prepare for a genuinely enjoyable cinematic experience that will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.

Jeff Daniels does his usual respectable job, Keaton mostly keeps the hysterics at bay, Anna Farris adds some dimension to her standard stoner chick, and Heder tries his best to not delve too deep into the Napoleon Dynamite well. Sarah Chalke is always a nice addition to any cast too. This is a decent indy movie, not great but far better than the 4.9 here. It was a victim of its marketing as much as anything. The story starts strong and finds a reasonable resolution without resorting to slapstick or painfully implausible plot twists. The cinematography was better than average - there's a great shot of Keaton framed by kitchen cabinets early on, and the lighting/exposure and set design are reminiscent of Little Miss Sunshine. Well worth picking up as a weekend rental or throwing in the online queue for some light viewing.

...except for Jon Heder. This guy tanked the entire movie.

The plot sounded entertaining. A 29 year old slacker son(Heder)still lives with widowed mom (Keaton)who happens to meet a new love (Daniels). Slacker son is jealous and anxious to lose his comfortable life and tries to sabotage the relationship. He also meets a girl(Faris).

I really liked the performance of Daniels and especially Faris but whoever casted Hader would be better of selling hot dogs at the beach. Heders performance is annoying, which would be a good thing since he plays an annoying guy, problem is he is to bad an actor to loose this act making this guy likable in the finale. At the end you still wish you can personally punch the guy in the face and you're upset about the end. In the future every movie with this guy will be a no go for me!