Because I Said So (2007)

 Horrid script...
Okay, there are so many things wrong with this movie, that it could take all day to write this review. I'd like to preface my statements with no, I am not too serious and close-minded, and I do enjoy the occasional romantic comedy chick flick so long as it isn't ridiculously stupid. Okay, so, first of all, there are so many things that don't even make sense about this. There is a point where the three sisters and the mom are singing a song for a group of people. The mom loses her voice and asks her daughter to take the soprano lead. The daughter blows up and says, "You're doing it again!" and blah blah blah. Doing what? The blow-up that followed continued to make no sense. The three sisters decide that since mom is clearly getting sick (hence, the lost voice) that she must stay with one of them. Excuse me? She's 60 years old and quite able-bodied, not 90!! So how do they decide who's going to take her? Rock, paper, scissors...ooh creative. I could go on, but I just hope you can see how ridiculous this is. It's amazing what Hollywood is willing to back financially these days. And yes, there is so much overacting you'll want to shoot yourself. The only reason I can guess is that Diane Keaton knew this script was a stinker and was doing all she could to force herself to speak those horrid lines. Well, at least she got a paycheck. April 18, 2008

 Not-so-good.
I'd have to agree with the general review about this film. The movie is quite badly done. The movie is about the conflict between a domineering mother and a pushover daughter. Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore both over-act and gets down right annoying to watch. And as mentioned in other reviews, it seems as though the film tries to downplay the fact that Mandy Moore's character is two-timing two men. Millie (Mandy) does get pushed around by her mother and we are made to feel bad for her but it still doesn't justify the fact that she cheats on her men.

I did enjoy Diane Keaton's wardrobe and actually Mandy Moore's as well for that matter. Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo are quite charming as Mandy's sisters but all in all, I would not recommend this movie to anyone. Two stars - a generous rating. April 6, 2008

 A laughable, enjoyable movie.
I must admit, I resisted watching this movie. But after several recommendations from friends and family I finally gave in, and I am glad I did.

Because I Said So beautifully illustrates the transitioning relationship between parent and child and Parent and Adult Child. The comedic relief made the movie tolerable for my husband too.

I recommend this to all women 16 and above. If it doesn't bring tears to your eyes I will be surprised.
April 4, 2008

 Shrill
Diane Keeton is just as obnoxious as you've heard. Mandy Moore, is cute and charming. The sisters are pretty useless. There are some laughs but it's mostly uncomfortable to sit through Diane Keeton's shrill performance. God help us, I hope she is that good an actress and not that annoying in real life. If you have any sort of warm fuzzy feelings for Diane Keaton because you remember her back when she was great, then don't watch this, it will taint your memory of her forever. February 23, 2008

 One of the most awful movies ever.
The characters in this movie are pretty universally reprehensible. Okay, maybe that's a strong word. But they're most definitely not all that likeable.

Diane Keaton's character is the most overbearing mother I've ever -- EVER -- seen on screen. She had little to no redeeming value to her whatsoever. I know we're supposed to feel some sympathy for her because she lost her husband and had only her kids to lend purpose to her life, but I seriously was getting ready to throw things at the screen whenever she was on. I also screamed "Good God, STFU already!" at her many many times. I mean, really. She's THAT annoying.

And that fact makes her kids really annoying too because none of them -- adults all -- can even remotely set any boundaries with her. One is willing to accept a call from her while she's making out with a date; the other two are all too happy to be on a conference call with her at the time.

"Johnny" is also wildly annoying because he, like the girls, can't get a handle of his kid either. I mean really, who doesn't say a single word to his out of control child when he smashes cake into a stranger's face? That kid is going to grow up to be a horrible spoiled brat. I guess his character was meant to be the endearing one, the one you like, the one you hope Milly ends up with, but his charm kinda gets overtaken by his inability to grow some balls with his son.

And finally, "Jason" -- I'm sure he's written this way, so I guess doing a good job of being unlikeable -- comes across as a rich snob. (Another reason Diane Keaton is so annoying is because she seems like him only because of his pedigree rather than his personality.) His charm exudes more from his tossing around quaint phrases like "Last time I was in Italy, I was in Sienna -- you've been to Sienna, right?" and handing out expensive jewelry.

So really, by the end of the movie, I just wanted to slit each of the characters' throats. It would be a better end for them than anything the rest of their miserable existence would be.

So... don't spend 90 minutes on this movie. It's time you'll never get back. February 22, 2008

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