Because I Said So

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 2, 2007

DVD Release Date: May 8, 2007

Plot 411: A helicopter mom creates an online dating profile for her daughter and screens the applicants to find the perfect match.

Review: Daphne (Diane Keaton) is a single mom who raised three girls - Maggie (Lauren Graham), Mae (Piper Perabo) and Milly (Mandy Moore). She is worried that her youngest daughter Milly isn't happy and will never get married. Thus, Daphne gives in to her overbearing nature (aka helicopter mothering) and takes matters into her own hands. I love Diane Keaton and this movie truly plays up her uncanny ability to be neurotic and insane. She is the stereotypical mom who just wants the best for her kids but ends up loving them too much. They become resentful and often feel guilty about it. Yet, in the end, they all love being family. Amazing how much cinema imitates life huh? While this movie is supposed to focus around Milly's search for love, I can't really say that Moore is one of my favorite young actresses. However, I really enjoyed the character of Daphne so much more. Also in this film are Gabriel Macht and Tom Everett Scott.

Watch It: At a movie night with the girls, then dish about all the horrible things your moms' have done.

Skip It: Because it's pretty brainless fun and will probably turn your noggin into mush.

Coyote Ugly

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: August 4, 2000

DVD Release Date: January 16, 2001

Plot 411: Jersey girl tries to make it in the big city as a songwriter and experiences city life in all its glory.

Review: This is one of those "follow your dream" type movies that, of course, has a happy ending. Despite the predictability of the plot, I really liked this film because of the great soundtrack. At the time, the cast was made of a variety of unnotables except for John Goodman. However, some of the cast seem to have gone on to bigger and better things, including Tyra Banks, Bridget Moynahan and Maria Bello. Unfortunately, the lead couple haven't really broken out into the biz as I had hoped. I suppose Hollywood is a tough mistress to please. The movie is about a girl (Piper Perabo) trying to live her dream of becoming a songwriter. But when she moves to New York, she discovers many obstacles to achieving that dream. Luckily for her, she meets a strapping young stud (Adam Garcia) who believes in her and they live happily ever after. Well sort of.

Watch It: For unforgettable tunes and some incredible dance numbers atop the bar.

Skip It: If you're not one for weepy romances.

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