KathyBates – Credits Rolling

In Netflix’s newest romantic comedy offering, Zara Ford (Joey King) works for movie superstar Chris Cole (Zac Efron) who is the worst boss ever. By a twist of fate, Chris strikes up a relationship with Zara’s mother Brooke (Nicole Kidman).

This is not the first time we’ve seen a relationship blossom between an older woman and a younger man. I liked how this time around the age factor wasn’t the focal point of the story. Instead the audience is invited into the worlds of these characters as they embark on a journey of self discovery. Of course some hijinks ensue. There are some laugh out loud moments and one in particular that had my husband reaching for the remote to rewind it and watch it again.

At the core is a heartfelt story about finding yourself and growing up. Sure Chris and Brooke form the central romance, but I really liked the depiction of the mother daughter relationship between Zara and Brooke and that of Brooke and her mother in law Leila (Kathy Bates). It really helped tie it all together for me.

The cast was what definitely made the film. King, although a bit whiny at times, was relatable as the lead. Efron proves he’s still a heartthrob and Kidman is as lovely and beautiful as ever. At first I didn’t buy their chemistry, but I have to say that it did eventually win me over. The fact that they got Bates for the grandmother was genius and we can’t leave out the supporting cast of Liza Koshy and Sherry Cola as Zara friends Eugenie and Stella.

Overall, A Family Affair may not add anything new to the genre, but it is a perfectly fine flick with something everyone can enjoy. Thanks to the star studded cast and the emotional material it left me feeling satisfied.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Eleven year old Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Forston) feels like her whole life is turned upside down when her parents (Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie) move the family to New Jersey. Growing up in a household of mixed religion, Margaret never had the pressure to make a choice on her faith, though her paternal grandmother Sylvia (Kathy Bates) can’t agree. When Margaret chooses this topic for a school project, she turns to God to help her in endeavours.

Based on the beloved novel by Judy Blume, the adaption of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret has been anticipated for many, many years. While I cannot recall as to whether or not I read the book, it has become a staple for many women because of it’s sheer relatability.

All of the predicaments that Margaret found herself in were reminiscent of my preteen years that it was scary. Dreaming that my bust would grow at a faster rate, that the cute boy in class would notice me and that I’d get my period so that I could be just like my friends were times that I had deep buried long ago. Wanting to grow up and be treated as an adult seemed so important then whereas now I wish I didn’t have all these responsibilities.

The cast was so on point. Ryder Forston killed it as our protagonist, perfectly capturing those moments of awkwardness. She’s got a bright future ahead of her and I look forward to seeing where she goes next. Bates has always been one of those household names and I thought she was great as the hip grandmother. It was McAdams as Margaret’s mother Barbara whose performance was absolutely charming, however – she gave up a lot for her family and we see how she overcomes it. It made me realize as well that I missed having her on screen.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is the type of film I never knew I needed. Not only for my childhood self, but for the self I am now. It really was quite the experience and I am so glad that films like this exist.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5