I feel like I might have to accept some level of responsibility for the ensemble comedy from Garry Marshall (Pretty Woman), since I, along with just about every other critic in the game, joked about his seeming desire to pander to audiences with holiday-themed rom-coms. From Valentine’s Day to New Year’s Eve, it looked like Marshall’s aim was to overload us with Hallmark card-inspired sentimentality (which was pretty much what he was already doing), so the critical jokes started pouring in. “What’s next?” we mockingly asked. The answer is Mother’s Day, complete with Pretty Woman herself Julia Roberts, sporting a homely bob wig, and another pairing of Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis as would-be romantic partners. This doesn’t come across like the kind of movie anyone would want to take their mothers to as a sign of appreciation for giving birth to them. Enough already, Mr. Marshall. (Opens wide Friday) (PG-13) Not screened in time for review
This article appears in Apr 27 – May 4, 2016.
