Review of Stepmom (1998) by Skyview B — 24 Jan 2014

Stepmom is a film about real life reality of a family's lifestyle after a divorce. It's genuine and the emotions of the mother, father, children, and new relationships. There's jealousy, anger, misunderstandings, rounded up with love and compassion.

Plot Summary.

This main plot is to show how all new family members have to move together in daily life situations. However I believe this was not predictable because, as a divorced mom and dad with two kids had to figure out a way to let in a humble women into the picture who tries to do the right things to fit in. Although, major conflicts played a role in which the father makes a decision to marry this woman, and the kids have to find acceptance deep in their hearts, all while the mother has secrets of her own.

Themes.

The theme of this movie was to show how blended families deal with everyday lives; the up's, the downs, but the lesson of it all is with love all things are possible. This movie isn't purely meant to entertain, this is for showing real life emotions and sharpening your skills, regarding moving experiences with honest subject matters. The director expressed the "love-hate" relationships but all while allowing them to share tears and be there for one another.

Technical Elements.

This movie expresses within camera shots, lights, etc. the multiple moods, feelings, and settings. I probably loved most, the extreme close ups of struggles, inside feelings, and actions to bring the movie together. The many "small town" designs of setting events bring out the interest of pulling you into the heart of the movie. The lighting was very detailed as you could see little shadows and really brought out the mood of the main story toward the movie. The music of the movie brought out the enjoyment of families accepting one another and enjoying life before it's taken granted. As well as, showing life where sometimes we need to just let go of things and let it all fall into place instead of forcing it.

Conclusion I enjoyed this movie as I can relate as many of us can in this day and age where divorces are more common and the reality of your mother and father finding a new mate and/or spouse comes full with a load of mixed emotions. Each person's feelings are genially heartfelt, but this touching story is wonderfully funny, emotional and uplifting. It's enormously entertaining and filled with expressions of shared love.

- SL, 8th Grade Student.