A Netflix exclusive, “The Mother” starring JLo was strategically released just before Mother’s Day. But JLo is not your typical mom – she’s a highly talented assassin.
Her only daughter was whisked away from her at birth for her own safety. Now, years later, her teenage daughter is a cartel target and JLo is hell bent on ensuring that she remains unharmed. Like any mother, this woman is prepared to die for her daughter, while trying to avoid establishing any relationship with her, knowing that she is best left to be raised by her loving, adoptive family.
Is this movie Academy Award winning material? No. Is it worth watching? Only if the bar is set moderately low.
The topic of a female assassin is intriguing, no doubt. The scenes of JLo expertly picking off bad guys with a Glock 17, a Heckler & Koch MP5 and an M16 assault rifle are amazing. And her determination to train her daughter in expert weapons usage so she can protect herself is both unexpected and heart-warming. The rest is just “meh”.
I am curious about female assassins. Are you? Why do a select few women choose this profession? How do these women develop their assassin craft? What is life like for a female assassin? Unfortunately, “The Mother” doesn’t adequately cover these bases. It’s a good start, but it needed much more character development.
My all-time favorite assassin movie remains “Leon: The Professional” (1994), with brilliant performances by Jean Reno, Gary Oldman and 11 year old Natalie Portman as kid-assassin-in-training Mathlida. Considered a cult classic, “Leon: The Professional” had a worldwide box office gross of $45.8 million against a budget of $16 million. It would be interesting for a follow-up movie to be made showing Mathilda as an adult female assassin. Vote here:
The multi-talented Jennifer Lopez started out as a dancer on her way to becoming a film, music and fashion icon. She is the highest-paid Latin American actress in Hollywood. She is a powerhouse. She has accomplished so much.
I’d like JLo to be a force in film; however, to do that she must choose better scripts and stop looking beautiful in every shot. Lenny, be more picky and let your hair down. We can’t wait to see you hit the right mark.