Anywhere But Here (Widescreen)

There is really no story here, just a series of situations for mother and daughter to bicker over so we can be convinced how intense a love-hate relationship they have with one another. The characters spent the entire movie trying to confuse us as to which of them was more immature.

This is a classic example of how good acting cannot save a bad screenplay. Both Sarandon and Portman did an outstanding job of playing their characters. But each of them were playing characters that were so repellent that there was nowhere to turn for relief. Of the two, Portman evoked a sense of pity for poor Ann, who had to be stuck with such an obnoxious and putrid mother. Admittedly, I have to give Sarandon credit for doing such a fine job of making Adele so distasteful.

I rated this film a 3/10, despite fine performances by both leads. I just don't feel it is entertaining to spend two hours watching two puerile characters snipe at one another. I would only recommend this movie to women who had bad relationships with their mothers (probably a large demographic now that I think of it) for the obvious identification factor. Perhaps this film will make them feel a little better that they are not alone in their frustration and anger. For all others, I would suggest pushing bamboo under your fingernails as an attractive alternative to this torturous film.