Mommy

Rating:
Summary: I live there
Review: "Mommy" is an entertaining lesser known flick that is full of great acting and ambience. The acting by McCormack, Stevens, and the little girl was really good. McCormack was a joy to watch as the psychopathic "mommy". I also liked the low lighting, and realistic treatment of the tale, as well as the hispanic Sherriff. The janitor provided some comic relief, too funny when she says "yes'm". A winner.

Rating:
Summary: The "Drama" section
Review: Hearing about this movie, I looked for it first in the horror section of blockbuster. At first I was confused as to why it would be in drama, but i picked it up anyway. The tape was old, and well warn, but I looked past the fuzzy lines to the movie itself. Enjoyable and amusing, it was an overall good movie. Where lack of funds might have left the movie a bit shaky, the acting made up quite well. The cop and daughter were the most admirable of the cast. You have my permission to view this movie. It's a good rent/bye. Have fun, and take a drink for every time they say "mommy" during the movie.

Rating:
Summary: A DIRECTOR RESPONDS
Review: I am the writer and director of this film and this rating is designed to expose the transparent campaign of a disgruntled, fired ex-coworker who has nothing better to do than try to sabotage my work by submitting anonymous one-star reviews about this feature and its sequel. Please note the other review by a "civilian," and know that the typical rating for this feature by national magazines and newspapers was three stars.

Rating:
Summary: Plesantly Suprised!
Review: It's great to see Patty McCormick back in her most unforgetable role, the little girl from The Bad Seed! I rented this movie not knowing what to expect from Collins and now I can't wait for his next movie! Rent it or buy it but you've got to see it!

Rating:
Summary: Patty McCormack heads a dream cast in "Mommy"
Review: Patty McCormack proves that she is an outstanding and extremely versatile actress. Those who have only seen her in "The Bad Seed" and in more recent years as the docile housewife on "The Ropers" are in for a great surprise and a treat as they watch this film and it's sequel. She excels in the lead role of "Mommy". What a supporting cast she has to play opposite her!! The legendary Mickey Spillane in a rare acting role as her attorney!! Scream queen Brinke Stevens as her half-sister!! Jason Miller (Father Karras from "The Exorcist") as the police detective investigating the sinister goings-on and Majel ("Star Trek"'s Nurse Christine Chapel) Barrett as an unfortunate schoolteacher. The film also has a very wicked sense of humor and could certainly be considered as a very black comedy much more than as a horror film. It benefits tremendously from it's use of on-location filming and authentic details such as the inclusion of actual local businesses in writer/executive producer/director Max Allan Collins's hometown of Muscatine, Iowa. It is a real pity that it was never even considered for a theatrical release, but was primarily made for the home video/cable markets. The film makes great use of it's low-budget and exceptionally talented cast and very rarely has the look or feel of a low-budget film. Kudos to both Max Allan Collins and Patty McCormack as they combined their exceptional talents to make this film and it's equally good (and maybe even better!!) sequel true classics. Don't miss either one of them!!

Rating:
Summary: The "Drama" section
Review: Psycho moms are fun. Who wouldn't want a mommy who's always on your side and won't let anyone hurt you? Jessica isn't appreciative of her mother's violent tendencies, but we never understand our parents when we're young. She'll realize how wonderful her Mommy is when she inevitably turns into her, as all of us young women do.

I was disappointed with the writing style, however: It's as if a teenager wrote this book. Collins had a good idea but his technique is lacking. Also, like many authors, he doesn't grasp childhood; many authors seem to make their young characters smarter and much more mature than most kids are. That's fine once in a while, but it happens all too often.

Mommy is more of a villain in MOMMY than she is in MOMMY'S DAY, but she will fulfill your fantasies of the mom who will stand up for you. We should all have mommies who care so much.

Jessica better learn to appreciate her mother soon, though. She doesn't want Mommy to get mad at her. When the person who loves you turns on you, who do you turn to?

Hey, psychotics need love, too.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Movie...How can the one star above be true?
Review: Sounds like the person commenting above has a personal issue with someone in this movie. The ratings/review are supposed to be honest so that people can decide on whether to buy this movie not slam it unnecessarily......how sad to use this area in such a biased manner! This movie is a great entertainment value with an excellent storyline. It's worth the money in my opinion! The film brings together actors from the classic "The Bad Seed" and greats such as Mickey Spillane make guest appearances for a "chillingly good" movie!

Rating:
Summary: Good movie; well-produced DVD
Review: The straight-forward, no-nonsense approach that serves Mr. Collins so well in his novels works just as effectively for his movie work, at least as demonstrated in "Mommy". This modest thriller doesn't try to wow you with flashy cutting, a pulse-pounding soundtrack, and other gimmicks, but rather draws you in with extremely solid acting, photography, and direction, as well as a decent story. Much care was also lavished on the DVD release, as it is clear Mr. Collins wanted to take advantage of the capabilities of this soon-to-be-dominant home-viewing medium. I especially liked the running commentary, where writer/director Collins seemed to re-assemble everyone except the on-site caterer to share anecdotes about the fun and challenges of putting together a movie in a rural Iowa setting not used to hosting many such productions. I also enjoyed the fact that the folks featured in the commentary were clearly all capable professionals, yet at the same time had almost a childlike giddiness about how they pulled off a particular shot, how an actor got an expression just right, where they got the new Cadillac to use as "Mommy's" car, and endless other little details. So, in short, this a both a fun movie and a fun DVD. I'm looking forward to checking out the sequel, which I understand is more of a straight mystery story than the thriller/character study/black comedy that is this first entertaining installment.

Rating:
Summary: Patty McCormack heads a dream cast in "Mommy"
Review: The straight-forward, no-nonsense approach that serves Mr. Collins so well in his novels works just as effectively for his movie work, at least as demonstrated in "Mommy". This modest thriller doesn't try to wow you with flashy cutting, a pulse-pounding soundtrack, and other gimmicks, but rather draws you in with extremely solid acting, photography, and direction, as well as a decent story. Much care was also lavished on the DVD release, as it is clear Mr. Collins wanted to take advantage of the capabilities of this soon-to-be-dominant home-viewing medium. I especially liked the running commentary, where writer/director Collins seemed to re-assemble everyone except the on-site caterer to share anecdotes about the fun and challenges of putting together a movie in a rural Iowa setting not used to hosting many such productions. I also enjoyed the fact that the folks featured in the commentary were clearly all capable professionals, yet at the same time had almost a childlike giddiness about how they pulled off a particular shot, how an actor got an expression just right, where they got the new Cadillac to use as "Mommy's" car, and endless other little details. So, in short, this a both a fun movie and a fun DVD. I'm looking forward to checking out the sequel, which I understand is more of a straight mystery story than the thriller/character study/black comedy that is this first entertaining installment.