Stepmom Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Be there for the joy. Be there for the tears. Be there for each other.
Anna and Ben, the two children of Jackie and Luke, have to cope with the fact that their parents divorced and that there is a new woman in their father's life: Isabel, a successful photographer. She does her best to treat the kids in a way that makes them still feel at home when being with their dad, but also loves her work and does not plan to give it up. But Jackie, a full-time mother, regards Isabel's efforts as offensively insufficient. She can't understand that work can be important to her as well as the kids. The conflict between them is deepened by the sudden diagnose of cancer, which might may be deadly for Jackie. They all have to learn a little in order to grow together.
| Julia Roberts | Isabel Kelly |
| Susan Sarandon | Jackie Harrison |
| Ed Harris | Luke Harrison |
| Jena Malone | Anna Harrison |
| Liam Aiken | Ben Harrison |
| Lynn Whitfield | Dr. P. Sweikert |
| Darrell Larson | Duncan Samuels |
| Mary Louise Wilson | Mrs. Franklin |
| Andre B. Blake | Cooper |
| Herbert Russell | Photo Assistant |
| Jack Eagle | Craft Service Man |
| Michelle Stone | Photo Shoot Model |
| Chris Columbus |
6.10 out of 10 (14750 votes)
Visitor Reviews
great acting, great movie
posted on 27 Aug 2009I was really surprised by this movie. I was expecting a comedy, but it was a real tearjerker. The acting was great, and they did a good job of portraying normal reactions for things like their dad getting remarried, as opposed to the "perfect" kids we often see on TV and in the movies. Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon were wonderful, as was Ed Harris. Jena Malone, who I haven't seen in anything else, did a great job.
what's all the hype about?
posted on 18 Aug 2009Okay, maybe if I was a mom, I would get it, but this movie did not bring me to tears. I was actually more caught up in how things jumped around so much and the time that was passing was never really clear. One minute, they are going from day to day, the next they are jumping whole seasons without any real transition. I want to know where was dad in all of this? No wonder the kids were so upset. If my dad dumped me with a stepmom all the time I would be pretty upset too. I understand he had to work, but the film never showed him spending time with the kids except to tell them bad news!!!!I wouldn't be handing out any awards to this film!!
Emotional, like it's supposed to be, but that doesn't hide the flaws
posted on 12 Aug 2009During my first year and second semester of high school, I was forced to watch this movie in a class which involved various things, including lessons in family life and peers, so this movie fit. From what I remember, it certainly wasn't fun when I first watched it, but I didn't see it in what I thought to be a comfortable place. However, it's been six years since then, and I recently rented it to watch on my own free will. I think it was more pleasant watching it alone in my basement, and I certainly can't say I was bored for the most part, but I could still see some serious flaws.Jackie and Luke Harrison are a divorced couple who had two kids while they were together named Anna and Ben. Now that they are divorced, Luke is currently dating a significantly younger woman named Isabel Kelly, who is a professional photographer. When it comes to parenting, Isabel is highly inexperienced, so it's not easy for her to look after the kids when she is left to do so, and her job sometimes gets in the way. In addition to that, the kids don't like their step-mom, and Jackie is sometimes disgusted by Isabel's inability to look after the kids properly, despite how much she may try, so the two women don't tend to get along so well. However, when Jackie is diagnosed with cancer, which could mean she won't live much longer, she must try to work things out with Isabel and family.Playing the song, "Under Pressure", by Queen, while Isabel wakes up and has to rush the kids out of bed was a good way to start off the film. After that, I found quite a bit of tension in the film to keep me intrigued, but that didn't stop me from noticing some pretty lame moments. This includes some of the dialogue, and a poor attempt at comedy I can think of when Ben burps and Anna says, "Oh, I hate when you do that, I can smell your breakfast!" Isabel's advice for Anna on how to get back at her nasty ex-boyfriend is also rather poorly thought out. One of the things she suggests she says to him is "I'm not going to waste my time on some loser who doesn't even know what snowblowing is." Now, it would have been worse if Isabel had actually told Anna what snowblowing is, and since this is not an R-rated film, it's obviously never mentioned what it means, but it's still disgusting that the term is mentioned in a movie like this, especially having a 12 year old character say it. Lastly, there's not much to like about the characters, including Anna with her bitterness and insults, and Jackie, who does something pretty cruel to Isabel. After not letting Isabel take Anna to a Pearl Jam concert on a school night, she later decides to get tickets and take Anna herself, without telling Isabel, and making it look like it was her idea all along! And yet, apparently, this is a character we're supposed to really care for!Now, like I said, I certainly can't say I was bored for the most part when I last watched this movie. I may have even gotten a lump in my throat towards the end, but due to certain problems with some of the characters and the writing, I feel I may have been cheated by the film. I didn't exactly feel it was all really worth it, even if some parts are done well. 5/10 just MIGHT be a BIT too low, but not by much. Some parts confused me, and sometimes even put a puzzled look on my face. It may have had a lot of potential that wasn't reached. I'm sure this movie has made many people cry, which I noticed in that high school class, and I don't hold anything against these people. I'm sure it would have made me cry if I were more emotional. However, that still doesn't change my opinion that "Stepmom" is a lacklustre drama which could move you, but could also possibly leave you wondering what for.
Great performances, but not very satisfying
posted on 12 Aug 2009I didn't like "Stepmom" at all. OK, Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon are great, but the screenplay does not help them. The film has some heart-breaking moments, but that's all. It's strange that many people went to see "Stepmom" on the movies. With other actresses it should have been a TV movie. It would have been better.Rating: 6/10
Horrific cry flick...
posted on 03 Aug 2009I don't want to sound harsh, but this movie bored my coke flat and my popcorn stale. It bored me so bad that I had a fight with my girlfriend about emotions. There is only one reason to rewatch this movie. I want to do a scientific study of how many times one of the characters cried, or almost cried. Now don't get me wrong, like my girlfriend did, emotions are necessary for a movie to be good. I can't stand movies, and it seems to be either the French, if subtitles can be emotional, or Hollywood that make these movies, that are obviously trying to suck me in by squirting tears in my eye. The whole movie was a magnanimous fairy tale. I would have called it, "Trouble in Never-neverland." Everyone lived in a beautiful house, with beautiful things, with lots of money, being beautiful themselves, having cute kids, having cool jobs, and even the damned dog was cute. Blah!! If someone in Hollywood is listening, drop the budgets and raise the quality. It's a good thing movies have a loud song during the ending credits to wake people up.Look to the horizon. It is void of RIDERS.
Very touching, moving, tear-jerking, and hilarious film
posted on 25 Jul 2009STEPMOM, to me, is a very touching, moving, tear-jerking, and hilarious film. I didn't laugh out loud, though. I laughed on the inside. The one person I really couldn't stand at times was Anna (Jena Malone). This was because of her attitude and the way she treated Isabel (Julia Roberts) most of the time. My favorite quotes of this movie are, "Anna! You do not run out on your mother," and, "I never said I was June f*****' Cleaver!" I was thoroughly moved when Jackie (Susan Sarandon) said, "Oh, sweetie, it's okay to miss me." Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say, "I thought everyone involved in this movie did a superb job." Now, in conclusion, I recommend this touching, moving, tear-jerking, and hilarious film to anyone who's a fan of Julia Roberts. When you see it, prepare for lots of laughter and tears.
Julia Roberts Shines
posted on 25 Jul 2009I don't usually like dramas, especially really dramatic ones, but i just loved Stepmom. The script is cliched but it's easily forgiving by the brilliant performances from its stars. Susan Surandon is a beautiful actress, who i have loved since Thelma and Louise. She gives a heart-warming performance in this film. Ed Harris also does good as the father in the film. I wish he would have more starring roles instead always having supporting roles. The performance that takes the cake is Julia Robert's. She gives a terrific performance and have a new respect for her as a serious actress. **** out ****
This is Real Life Stuff!
posted on 23 Jun 2009Here is a movie that probably most people can relate to, as its main plot focuses on relationships--& complicated ones at that. This is a movie about real-life situations that will cause a person to take pause for thought, for sure. The performances by everyone were OUTSTANDING, even provoking me to tears, & for me, that's a rare happening! I definitely, highly recommend this one, & without me revealing the plot or other juicy details, I'll just say it's worth watching, & I very much enjoyed this one. I've watched it more than once, & know I'll be watching it again probably several more times sometime in the future. Isn't one you'll soon forget, as a lot of movies oftentimes are very forgettable.
Does what it intends to do.. Makes you feel good
posted on 11 Jun 2009Stepmom is a true feel-good drama. It isn't a serious family tearjerker like Kramer vs. Kramer or Ordinary People, but an inspirational story for people who have been involved in divorces or family splitups. I must admit, the film had hardly any realism, but I think that wasn't a factor in making this film. The acting is the main part of the success. Roberts holds her own against Sarandon (in a role seemingly written to win an Oscar) and proves she is an actress with a capable range. Also there is much inspiration glowing from the film. That is very good to see in a movie with 0 realism. So rent this movie if you wanna feel good and sad at the same time.
Very Good but...
posted on 01 Jun 2009I don't enjoy sitting thru any film where the "kids" rule the roost. I think too many people see this as instructions on how to be "parents" (let the kids rule), and how to be a "kids" (rule the adults). I think this is evident in the problems of society now. I think it's a big responsibility of film makers to start changing that image. Make movie kids behave the way real children SHOULD, not the way the bad ones "do". The spoiled obnoxious daughter in this film made me so angry I wanted to spank the actress!!!
Stepmom
posted on 27 May 2009I love this movie! Julia Roberts, once again does a fantastic job at making her character vibrant, and very creative. The writer tells the story about a family in and out of crisis- and shows us how that no matter their challenges with each other- their efforts taken to forgive and persue understanding, allows them to connect in a love relationship with one another that was encouraging for my own person life. Thanks.
TearJerker..a Real movie.
posted on 29 Apr 2009Like most people I entered the movie theatre with my bestfriend Kayla expecting a light hearted comedy type movie. Wrong. We got so much more than we expected, which was a few laughs and a feel good chick flick.One of the things that really touched me especially was Jena Malones heartfelt, touching and rather bratty preformance as the daughter. At first I just wanted to slap her as she pouted and whined. But then I realized that I was exactly like her just a couple of years ago. A confused adolescent girl.My mom had a scare with cancer when I was at that age. And it makes me cry to know if her cancer had turned into something fatal, that my life would be protrayed in this movie. Girls, go give your mom a hug and tell you love her.
Pull out the Kleenex @}->---
posted on 24 Apr 2009I loved this movie. I saw it at the theatre when it first came out, and was left in the theatre once everyone else had gone trying to mop up after myself. It was so sad. The little boy broke my heart when he had his last talk with his mom (Susan Sarandon). Basically, Julia Roberts and Ed Harris are an item and his ex is Sarandon. His kids don't like Julia, Julia and Susan don't like each other, but through predictability, a personal tragedy brings them all together (as you can imagine). So apart from the predictabilitly, this is an excellent film that will make you laugh, cry and bawl. I thought it was really well acted, and don't read those negative reviews if they didn't like this. This movie is for people with hearts.
Jena Malone rocks, the movie sucks
posted on 14 Apr 2009This is a very long movie! It has some good moments in it that make you laugh, cry, etc... but after a while, you forget what you are watching and what the plot of the movie is suppose to be. It's like a serial novel or a long miniseries. I don't like Sarandon's character. I think she portrays a mom horribly in this movie. Roberts is okay, but you can't help wondering why she would want to be with Ed Harris who looks like he could be her dad. Gross. The only redeeming quality to the whole movie is Jena Malone who is a superb actress no matter what crap of a script she is given to work with. I think this movie put her on the map of faces to watch for. If you are looking for a good movie, look for one with Jena in it. Ugh. I got to watch this movie twice in succession on TBS while typing a paper and it didn't get better the second time. I would only recommend viewing this during an ice storm or when there is nothing better to do outside or you don't have a good book to read. But really, its not worth the time Mr. Columbus put into it.
Where do I begin...
posted on 27 Mar 2009I couldn't watch more than twenty minutes. I tried, God knows I tried, but I was unsuccessful. I love Sarandon and Ed Harris and if they ever make a real movie together I would love to see it. I can't believe the Olsen twins did not direct and write this unbelievable garbage. Life is too short for a movie like this.
I longed for my mom
posted on 31 Aug 2009I watched this movie when I was home alone one night. After which I got in my car and drove 2 hours to see my mom. It's very touching.