BOWIE, MD, March 12, 2014 (LifeSiteNews.com) – You know the drill. Sex, drugs, graphic violence, and scandal – the hallmarks of a successful Hollywood movie. And on Mother's Day 2014, dozens of movies nationwide will be capitalizing on this model.
But “Moms' Night Out” is not one of them. Combining a tattooed biker with a pastor, four stressed mothers, and half-a-dozen hellion children, this movie gave a pre-screening audience in Bowie, Maryland laughter throughout its 90-minute length.
Andrew Thomas of Washington, D.C. said he “enjoyed the movie” and thinks it is “a good tool that can be used in outreach.”
“I thought the movie described realism as far as it relates to the church and people who are actively involved and have done a good job as parents,” Thomas told LifeSiteNews. “I think it was wonderful, and I enjoyed Bones. I think Bones' counsel was off the charts – a biker talking to this great lady.”
Bones, played by country music star Trace Adkins, gives protagonist Allyson profound advice on seeing herself as God sees her. Allyson, a mom who is seeing her dream of being a parent become a nightmare, is played by Sarah Drew of “Grey's Anatomy.” Her loving and supportive husband is played by “Rudy” and “Lord of the Rings” star Sean Astin, a father whose idea of babysitting did not intend to end with a visit to the hospital.
The movie was co-written by Jon Erwin, and directed by his brother Andy Erwin, who previously did “October Baby.” That movie earned a front-page article in the New York Times and grossed over $5.3 million.
With an understated Christian theme – one of the main characters, played by “Everybody Loves Raymond” star Patricia Heaton, is a pastor's wife who won't let her daughter date until she's 17 – “Moms' Night Out” plays to its target audience well. Exaggerating the nightmares all parents have of disasters befalling their families, as well as the family chaos no outsider can see, its PG rating makes it an enjoyable family-friendly film.
Friends Brenda and Holly told LifeSiteNews they enjoyed the movie. It “was a great outreach for moms, especially,” said Holly. Brenda said “it was a really fun movie, and just a great night out for girlfriends.”
Largo, Maryland associate pastor Hewlette Pearson said she had only one word to describe the film: “Awesome. Totally awesome.”
“It was great, it was enriching, great humor, you saw all parts of a family make-up, and how moms can be overwhelmed,” said Pearson, who ministers at Perfecting Worship Center. “I really loved the part of Sean, who understood his wife's need for a break.”
Unlike many movies, which play up the stupidity of men and the intelligence of women, “Moms' Night Out” showed hard-working fathers with their own needs – but also their own strengths. Astin's character, also named Sean, tells Allyson how amazing she is at raising their children, and gives her inspiration to work on her “Mommy Blog.”
“He [Sean] really maximized the opportunity for his wife to get a chance to experience life outside of always having the kids around,” said Pearson. “So this was great. I think this movie is going to do well in the theaters, and I'm going to have to spread it myself.”
“Moms' Night Out” comes to theaters on May 9. Bring the family, and get ready for laughter when “Woodstock Reunion” makes its cameo appearance. And watch out for cops and tasers.