The Mother

Back in 1998 i remembering visiting a cinema in Gothenburg in early december as i was going to see a film called Out Of Sight with actor George Clooney ( who had already done a legendary performance in the film From Dusk Till Dawn by that time ). I remember watching the poster that was right next to me while getting snacks and i noticed the name Jennifer Lopez. I have not really thought much about her name at that time, but as i watched the film Out Of Sight i understood why i recognized the name. About 6 months earlier i have watched a film on VHS called Selena and that´s where i first remember my first encounter with Jennifer Lopez. In the film Selena she plays the Mexican singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez, with the artist name known as Selena who became very popular in Mexico. It was her third album Entre a Mi Mundo in 1992 that really kicked off her career to be noticed worldwide. The film Selena tells the story how it all started and how Selena worked all the way to the top, and the tragic end where she was killed by someone she knew very well. It is a very tragic story of Selena dying so young, but the film is a great tribute not only to the real Selena but to her music as well. Jennifer Lopez did a great job in the lead role and she proved that she knew how to act. After she also did a great performancre in Out Of Sight it has been a very mixed bag for Jennifer Lopez when it comes to picking films. You have the 2001 film The Wedding Planner, how many of you remember that? And then of course you have the really terrible comedy Monster-in-Law ( what were you thinking Jane Fonda? ). I actually enjoyed the 2007 film Bordertown with Jennifer Lopez and Martin Sheen, even though i know some people have different opinions about the film. It was a box office flop at that time but i think it´s worth checking out, based on female homocides in Cuidad Juárez. I suggest you pick this film up on DVD and give it a chance. For quite many years it seemed that Jennifer Lopez was stuck making monstly romantic comedies and i have not seen any of her latest ones. Until i saw the trailer of her new Netflix film The Mother and she finally seemed to be going into the action genre again. Is this the best film we have seen with her in over 20 years or is Jennifer Lopez film career doomed for all eternity with The Mother?

The Mother ( Jennifer Lopez ), an assassin is on the run from dangerous assailants. She is trying to protect her only daughter Zoe ( Luzy Paez ) from the people who wants to kill her. She travels to Alaska to a remote cabin to try and live a new life with her daughter there. But her past will not leave her behind and she will soon be forced to fight, even if she may not survive.

Finally Jennifer, you finally hit the right spot. Not only is The Mother a well made action film but it also shows the importance of the love a mother have for her own child and how you are willing to do anything for your child. Now, you might think that she will step right back to the romantic genre. She doesn´t at all in this film and i think that was a very good choice. We need to see you in more different films from now on Jennifer Lopez, because you clearly prove that you can do other genres with The Mother. So let us begin by telling what i appreciate especially with The Mother. First of all the portrait of Jennifer Lopez character really feels like a great match. She is tough, doesn´t take shit from anyone and most of all she´s not afraid to risk her own life. This may be the first time i have seen Jennifer Lopez do action stunts on a whole other level than before and i am really glad that she went into this role so serious. Acting wise i will say that she does a pretty good job, considering that this is a very physical role for her. So how is the daughter character Zoe played by actress Lucy Paez? This is the very first time i have seen her act in any film but i actually think she´s alright. The chemistry between Jennifer Lopez and Luzy Paez is actually pretty good, especially in the scenes where they are trying to survive. How are the action scenes? I would say for a film that takes place for the most part in Alaska i would say they look good with the beautiful nature scenery. The one negative thing i might say is that the plot isn´t really interesting to be honest. So it is more thanks to the chemistry between Jennifer and Luzy that makes this film work as well as it does. The Mother is in many ways a traditional American action film except for one thing, that this is also a film about parenthood and how to raise your child in a good way. If you just want to watch something simple but is still good enough as an action film, you could go a lot worse than The Mother. Director Niki Caro ( director of the live adaptation of the Disney film Mulan ) clearly set out to do a female action character with a message how important motherhood is. I really hope you continue on this path Jennifer after have done The Mother, because i want to see you do more films like this. We definetely need to se J Lo kick some more ass in the future, and The Mother definetely bring some entertainment to the Netflix audience.

Rating: DDD