Moms on Strike (2002)

I really enjoyed watching this movie. The mom had the guts to do what other moms only think about or dream about doing. Most families do not realize what they are doing to the mom and don't even care. Its so easy for the "at home" mom to be unappreciated.A lot more moms and wives should do exactly as this mom did. Not only did she teach the kids a lesson, but her husband too...I can understand why ANY mom or wife would want their whole family to watch this movie. Its just a shame that some people don't recognize themselves in this movie...The reason some people might not like this movie is because they DO see themselves in this movie and don't appreciate a mom who has the guts to do something.

Comes a time when every mother on the planet feels the way this mum does. Maybe it will happen when your kids become teenagers, or maybe your husband will finally push your last button as you try to accomplish all the tasks a woman, wife and mother needs to get through on any given day. The lack of respect for the everyday grind will get to you, and you'll briefly consider going on strike. When that day comes, do not - repeat - DO NOT take this movie as Gospel! It's Disney, folks. The First Lady will not come to your house to bail you out.Instead, it's likely your children will turn into worse monsters than previous, and your husband will go through the seven stages of denial. You will be ridiculed, detested, and guilted out until you feel worse than you did before your strike, and you'll work twice as hard as you did before in an effort to get back into your family's good books. Trust me. I tried it.The bottom line is that womens work is not appreciated, has never been appreciated, and will probably never be adequately appreciated. Some strides have been made, but in a society that values payment for service over quality of life, housework and mothering will forever hold the lowest place of regard.That being said - it's Disney, so there's a moral, and an eventual improvement in the movie family's attitude towards the parents. And there are some funny moments that any houseperson can relate to. The point is driven home that help and respect are simple requests and qualities that every family needs to embrace.This is a cute little movie that parents should encourage their children to see, since there is a slim chance that a child may take away at least some appreciation for the actual labor involved in managing a home and family. Between the snickers. But I wouldn't encourage any woman to play out the scenario in real life, since at best, they'll wind up more guilty and discouraged than before, and at worst, could put themselves in real danger of emotional or physical abuse.

I liked Moms on Strike! when I first watched it. And I liked it every other time that I've seen it. But I really wonder if it is realistic. I know for a fact in my family, I could never treat my mother the way Pam's family treats her. I could never throw my dirty laundry at her and demand that she wash it, not shrink it. I could never scream at mom and tell her to clean up the mess the dog made. I could never, EVER tell my mom that she looked terrible in comparison to my friend's mom. And I know a lot of people who could never do that to their mother as well. In my family, I do my own laundry, I help make my brothers' and sister's breakfast and lunch, I take care of the family pets, with no one else's help. My mom does her share, but I do my share as well. We all do. Apparently, in Pam's family, none of her kids had to lift a finger or had daily chores to do. Her daughter, Jessica, has no respect, her sons don't know how to clean up after themselves, and her husband lives in his own little world without any knowledge to how his family is run. Realistic? Who knows? Maybe my family is the weird family.Of course, Pam was the perfect mother, and she certainly had every reason to go on strike. She was a real mother, but I don't think her family was real at all.

I really enjoyed this movie. The main idea: The mom (Faith Ford) is treated like crap by her family, and goes on strike to prove a point. I found the acting very good, especially Sarah Gadon (Jessica). She was very convincing! Nice ending, very good all in all. 3 1/2 of 4