Mother Movies

This weekend was my first mother's day! Last year I was still a mom to be, and despite having a little human rolling around inside me, I had no idea how much my perception would change once that little human was out in the world. To celebrate, I've come up with 4 non-chick-flic mom-centric movies that would make for some good late night viewing once your kids are in bed.

Brave (2011)
OK, maybe you can watch this one with the kids. Brave is one of the few Disney movies where a mother is present and active. In fact now that I think of it, it might be the only Disney movie where a mother is present and active. After accidentally transforming her mother into a bear, feisty Merida must work with her to break the spell before it becomes permanent. If you've ever had a huge fight with your mom you'll be able to relate.

The Tempest (2010)
This adaptation of Shakespeare's last play has Hellen Mirren as the main character Prospera. It's fascinating to see how much the gender swap informs the play's relationships. Her relationship with daughter Miranda transforms from patriarchal to protective. Her reluctance to free Ariel has a hint of empty-nest syndrome. Director Julie Taymor's trademark bells and whistles may put off some movie goers, but the great thing about Shakespeare is that it's all about the performances, which the top of the line cast more than delivers.

Oedipus Wrecks/New York Stories (1989)
Woody Allen's contribution to New York Stories could be considered a nightmare scenario. After a magic trick mishap causes his mother to disappear, Allen breathes a sigh of relief until she reappears in the sky above manhattan, and airs his dirty laundry! A short movie for the time strapped mama that might give you hope for the day your kids will listen to your advice, even if it takes a little magic.

August Osage County (2013)
A portrait of family dysfunction. You've probably never seen so many amazing actors as such unlikable characters. At it's heart, August is a look at finding the strength it takes to rise above such a hostile home life without becoming the person you hate. Definitely not a warm and fuzzy, but darkly funny.

In the Den

We're two months away from my daughter's first birthday! Party planning is underway albeit at a less frenzied pace than you'd expect since we're also in the process of finding a new place to live. We've had the hottest summer and coldest winter on record here and that really exposed the quality of our current apartment and it's lack of insulation. We're probably paying the same amour for gas and electric that you'd pay for a small house!

We're most likely going to have to downsize, which in the end should be a good thing since it will mean more money saved up over all, and a shorter wait till we have enough for our own house.

What's on Amazon

I discovered a cute little series where some really great actors (Jeremy Irons, Derek Jakobi, Joley Richardson) examine some of Shakespeare's plays. It's fun to watch the process these actors go through as they bring Shakespeare's characters to life by looking at the historical context of the plays and also aspects of Shakespeare's life that may have influenced his writing. My favorite moment is at the end of the Richard II when Derek Jakobi comments on his performance by his younger self in a BBC television production.

Hope you all had a great Mother's Day and don't forget your dads next month!