by Tarek Fayoumi
Mother’s Day is a holiday reserved for showing appreciation to our moms. Since Mother’s Day is always on a Sunday, it can easily be enjoyed with a nice movie night at home. The films I have selected may not focus entirely on mothers, but they do contain messages of why it’s important to show gratitude to people in our lives.
These movies also have many touching moments that can make a movie viewing experience with mom special. Therefore, the films I’ve recommended are perfect to watch on Mother’s Day.
My first pick is C’mom C,mon (2021) which is directed by Mike Mills and stars Joaquin Phoenix (as Johnny), Gabby Hoffman (as Viv), and Woody Norman (as Jesse). This is one that moms will enjoy with a more grown-up audience. C’mon C’mon is a touching film centered on Phoenix who plays a radio journalist living a solitary life. His life changes, however, when he takes the challenge of looking after his nephew on an adventure from Los Angeles to New York and New Orleans. C’mon C’mon highlights the connection between grown-ups and children. The film shows how some people adapt to challenges in life while others struggle. Phoenix is funny and witty playing Johnny, and Norman is quite the character as Jesse in this one-of-a-kind tale of life in a new reality for two related characters from different generations. The film can be accessed as a rental on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or on Demand.
My second pic is The Bucket List (2007) which is an oldie but a goodie. A film with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman is a combo of joy, laughter, and sadness which is both upbeat and motivational. Directed by Rob Reiner, two terminally ill men put together a bucket list of things they wish to do before their time on Earth comes to an end. The Bucket List is a feel-good movie that I loved watching with my mom. When the movie was released, I was in my younger days and always curious about what my future would hold. The Bucket List is a film that displays a positive message to live life to the fullest. The Bucket List can be found on Tubitv.com or can be rented for purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
My final suggestion goes way back, but I believe that parents should expose their children to old classics. Fortunately, these movies can now be enjoyed much more since they’ve been restored. I am a die-hard fan of Charlie Chaplin and a variety of his works. City Lights is a true Chaplin classic that will make everyone laugh to tears and there is hardly any dialogue. City Lights is a nostalgic experience that moms and their kids will enjoy. If you want to get a kick out of Chaplin’s character, City Lights can be experienced on HBO MAX.
I am Tarek Fayoumi of movieswithtarek.com, medium.com, approved critic of Bananameter, and member of Chicago Indie Critics. Go watch a good movie with your moms this month!
