Hello there. If you’re anything like me, you are just now remembering that Mother’s Day is just a few short days away. Did you buy a gift? Make one? Anything? Not to worry. Moms happen to be the only group of people on the planet that mean it when they say “All I need is your love.” So, while I’m sure a fancy spa weekend or a pair of extravagant earrings would be an appreciated change of pace for mom, there’s no need to worry if gifts like those simply aren’t in the budget. Some time to sit on a comfy couch, reminisce about when you (and her) were younger, and watch a good movie together will be more than enough to show mom just how much she means to you this year. I’ve carefully compiled this list of cinematic adventures guaranteed to give mom that warm and fuzzy feeling this Mother’s Day!
- Boyhood (2014)
Boyhood is an interesting film. It’s unique in that it took over twelve years to shoot it, using the same cast, so that you can watch the main character, Mason (Ellar Coltrane) grow up over the course of the film. This movie is great for moms because it reminds them of exactly what we’re worth as their children, and it’s great for kids (or adult kids) because it shows what pain and loss mothers go through while raising children. If any movie can bring you and your mom together for Mother’s Day, my guess is this would be the one to do it.
2. Kill Bill (2003)
Kill Bill is an interesting Mother/Child story. While this film may not be one a mother would enjoy watching with her young children, every mother (sword-wielding vigilante or not) can agree with the sentiment of the film. Nothing and nobody will hurt my child. Even when The Bride’s (Uma Thurman) unborn child is threatened and attacked, this mother goes on a justice-fueled rampage unlike the big screen had seen until it’s release in 2003 – Nothing can stop a mother on a mission to protect her child. Not even getting buried alive or being in a coma. Kill Bill is a must watch for any adult children and their mothers this Mother’s Day!
3. The Incredibles (2004)
This movie is one of my all-time favorites, AND it’s one that you can watch with mom no matter what age you are. Seriously, any age. I’m pushing 30 and my mom and I would still watch The Incredibles together. It’s such a great story about the lengths parents are willing to go to protect their children. When you’re a kid, your mom is like a Superhero (Mine still is to me). Well, in The Incredibles, Mom really IS a Superhero. With elastic arms to catch you doing things even when she’s not in the room. However, more often than not, her powers (along with those of her husband, Mr. Incredible and their children) are used to protect not only the family but the good people of their city as well. A definite must watch (with mom) movie!
4. The Blind Side (2009)
This movie is a great example of how a mother’s love knows no bounds. Sandra Bullock plays (and wins the Academy Award for her role as) Leigh Anne Tuohy, a woman that inspired people across the world when she saw more in a husky homeless teenager than he saw in himself and pushed him to football greatness and eventually adopted him and raised him as her own child. It just goes to show that motherhood is not a bond that only blood can forge. A mother is always a mother. Simple as that.
5. Freaky Friday (2003)
Now I’m sure there will be at least a couple of you that are upset that I chose to include the 2003 remake and not the original 1976 version. There’s a simple explanation for that. In 1976, MY mom would have only been 9 years old. So, since I was born in the 1990s, the only one I’ve seen is the one from 2003. However, I do think that it is a great one to watch with mom. It’s a great example of how sometimes we can get on each others’ nerves, but in the end, family is family. Our moms love us and we love them back. Even if we’re not always great at showing it.
6. Erin Brockovich (2000)
This one is a true story of a mother bent on protecting her children and the people of her town (Hinkley, CA) from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) who were found to be contaminating the town’s supply of drinking water. She convinced hundreds of small-town Americans to testify against the giant corporation and was a key factor in building a legal case against PG&E in 1993 (which she won). This is a great pick to watch with mom when the stress of the world is getting to you both and you just need to see one example of justice prevailing to recharge your hope tanks.
7. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Ah, Robin Williams dressed up like and pretending to be an old lady will never not make me laugh. this movie is a great example of how sometimes a mother needs to make painful decisions (not only for her, but also for her kids) so that they can have a chance at a normal life. It’s also a great example of the lengths a father is willing to go to just to spend some quality time with his kids. Even if his kids happen to think he’s a 70-year-old woman that their mother hired to watch them and look after the house. Yeah, there is a lot going on in this one but if you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it with mom this weekend. I guarantee you’ll both enjoy it.
8. Knocked Up (2007)
So, maybe this doesn’t seem like a good choice to watch with mom. Sure, with some of the content in this film I could see how you, at first, might not think this is a good pick, but hear me out. Knocked Up is about two strangers and soon to be parents (who are exceedingly underprepared for parenthood) trying to navigate not only building a relationship from the ground up but also preparing for that ever-encroaching due date nine months away. It’s a comedy, a drama, and a shining example of how being a parent is something you can try to plan for, but just like everything else, is something you have to learn as you go.
9. The Parent Trap (1998)
Yet another remake on the list, the Parent Trap is a hilarious comedy starring Lindsay Lohan and Lindsay Lohan. As a young actor, Lindsay showed immense talent acting as not one, but two twin sisters (of separated parents) who meet each other at summer camp and decide to switch places to try to get their parents back together. From the U.K. to the U.S. there is no length these twins won’t travel to see their parents together again. A heartwarming story for any mom on her big day!
10. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
This might be another one you’re not sure about as far as what to watch with mom, but I promise you, it has a stronger mother and child bond than any other movie you could watch with mom this year. Sure, it’s about robots from the future trying to destroy the world. But they’re trying to destroy the world by Killing John Connor before he saves the world from the robot takeover. Only one problem there. John Connor is the teenage son of Sarah Connor. A mother that will stop at nothing, and I mean nothing, to protect her son. And she does exactly that, which allows him to eventually stop the robot takeover of the entire planet. Now, if teaming up with a humanoid robot with a conscience and taking on an army of super-intelligent robots from the future to prevent them from taking over the world isn’t a clear example of a Mother’s love, I don’t know what is.
There you have it! I’m sure that you’ll be able to find at least one or two movies on this list that you and your mom might enjoy watching together. If you’re not lucky enough to be able to see your mom in person this Mother’s Day, at least pick up the phone and give her a call. She DID give you life, after all. And yes, your mom DID ask me to write that last part. And yes, mom. I WILL be taking my own advice. We love you, mom(s)! Happy Mother’s Day!
By Bill L. Wallis