Review of Stepmom (1998) by Carey Ann A — 09 May 2010

(from The Watermark, 12/24/98).

Sarandon and Harris are a divorced couple with two kids. Roberts is Dad's girlfriend, and she's having some problems getting used to being a stepmother: the young boy is mischievous, the teenage girl is angry and resentful, and their mother is the #1 supermom of them all. Roberts slowly but surely gets a grip on how to be a mother, even though Sarandon is a complete bitch and makes sure all circumstances are working against her. Sarandon then comes down with cancer, and realizes she needs Roberts' help while she is fighting her illness. Sarandon is, as always, tops when it comes to acting. Roberts, in one of her strongest performances, holds her own against her co-star. Their conflicts are well constructed, and thankfully, the screenplay gives both of the women faults and makes sure neither of them falls conveniently into being completely right or completely wrong. The one thing the film is missing is Harris' inclusion in the solidification of the new family. It is clear that his workaholic ways played a big part in the collapse of the marriage, and there is little indication he has changed or improved. This is almost forgivable, though, when so much screen time is given to the exceptional performances of the two women (who, incidentally also produced the film). QUEER QUOTIENT: **SPOILER ALERT** I won't give away the ending, but bring your hankies, girls. In the spirit of Terms of Endearment and Steel Magnolias, this is one to add to any gay "Cry Me A River" Film Festival.