- 1991movierewind
Episode #61: Mom
Listen to Episode 61 of the Podcast here while you enjoy the show notes.
SUMMARY - In Mom, Jeanne Bates plays Emily Dwyer, mother to Los Angeles TV reporter Clay. He has been reporting on a potential serial killer around the area and she inadvertently rents out a spare room to the killer who is actually a man that turns into a werewolf-like creature. Emily is bitten by this monster and now has to juggle her secret life as a blood-thirsty demon and a loving mother to her kids.
Screenplay by Patrick Rand; Directed by Patrick Rand, and released on June 19, 1991.
FILM DISCUSSION
The opening scene gives you a taste of what you're in for. A shadowy figure and a young girl alone at a bus stop.
It's a sequence that probably should be scarier if the monster mask didn't look like this.
Considering the quality of the monster effects, it makes sense that the movie focuses on the human stories and interactions
However, it still would be better if there could be more close-ups or just more special effects in general.
Much of the action happens off screen and it's only hinted at visually.
Instead, the plot of the movie revolves around the descent of the son as he tries to come to grips with his mother's new "life" and tries to prevent more people from dying.
Still, she does get out sometimes.
It was fascinating to see Stella Stevens in a completely different role from the reserved scientist we saw in The Terror Within II.
This movie also contains an early contender for best animal performance in a movie with Winston.
Possibly the most surprising cast member is Charles Martinet (who had one scene), future voice of Super Mario & Luigi. 1991 also marked the first time he would voice that character - for a PC game.
We found the movie to be quite enjoyable, but it would be even better if it could have leaned into the gore and monster makeup a bit more.
Awards Talk: None to speak of
TRUE CRIME & POP CULTURE
This week our true crime segment focuses on an infamous drug kingpin.
Pablo Escobar surrenders/history - https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/pablo-escobar-drug-baron-his-surrender-imprisonment-and-escape
Moving over to TV, here's what you may have been watching:
As usual, we like to look at some lesser known shows. We have three this time.
Man In The Family - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101139/
Equal Justice - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098789/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
The Family Man - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Family_Man_(American_TV_series)
Moving on to music, here are your Billboard 100 Bottom 5 as of June 22, 1991
100. Can You Stop The Rain - Peabo Bryson
99. My Heart is Failing Me - Riff
98. Let The Beat Hit ‘Em - Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
97. Love Gets Rough - Troy Newman
96. Save Some Love - Keedy
RANKINGS & RATINGS
Nikki 1-5 star scale - 2 out of 5
Jon 0-4 star scale - 2 1/2 out of 4
Would you watch it again? - It was different than expected, but not disappointing. This is just about exactly what we like to see in our low-budget horror. It is one of the better horror movies we've seen for this podcast so far, so yes we would certainly watch it again.
If you want to watch Mom, as of this recording in April 2022, it’s available on Tubi, Digital Rental, VHS. Check your local listings.
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