Entertainment

Critic comparison for movies playing May 6-12

Garry Marshall’s “Mother’s Day” takes light look at the holiday.
Garry Marshall’s “Mother’s Day” takes light look at the holiday. Open Road Films

Mother’s Day (PG-13)

Directed by: Garry Marshall

Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, Margo Martindale, Hector Elizondo, Jason Sudeikis.

The pitch: being a mom can have its highs and lows. Those peaks and valleys are explored through a variety of different mothers including a mom who must deal with her ex-husband’s young new bride.

The formula: Cook up a bit of “Valentine’s Day.” Serve up parts of “New Year’s Eve.” Wrap up moments of “Friends.”

Go see it: If you are looking for a quiet way to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Don’t go see it: If you like your comedy to have a sharper edge. This film is just a few steps above a sitcom.

In the picture: Keep an eye out for the men working behind the bar at the comedy club. You might just see director Garry Marshall.

Critics’ choices

Numbers indicate stars

Fresno Bee

Ent. Weekly

N.Y. Times

L.A. Times

S.F. Chr.

Barbershop: The Next Cut

3

3

3

3

4

The Jungle Book

3 1/2

3 1/2

2 1/2

3 1/2

4

Mother’s Day

3

1

2

1

3

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

4

3 1/2

3 1/2

3 1/2

4

Zootopia

3

3

3

3

3 1/2

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 1:00 AM with the headline "Critic comparison for movies playing May 6-12."

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