Even though the plot feels familiar and follows expected patterns, with elements of modern social commentary and an underlying sense of American superiority—if you’re looking for it—there are still worthwhile aspects to The Mother. What stands out initially is Jennifer Lopez's surprisingly captivating acting. I’ve always known her primarily as a musician, though I’ve been aware of her attempts at acting over time.…

The Mother is a fairly standard action movie released directly to streaming services; it's watchable but unlikely to stick with you for very long. The plot centers on an assassin who becomes a parent and must defend her child from criminals involved in drugs and weapons trafficking. Though similar to films like Taken or Peppermint, The Mother suffers from a significant flaw that those other movies avoided: its len…

The film’s central focus on a mother and daughter ultimately falls short due to the shallowness of its male characters. While the antagonist is presented as wicked, they also come across as remarkably unintelligent, managing an escape from their initial attempt at elimination in a way that feels both improbable and without any clear explanation. The romantic connection between Cruise and the mother doesn't resonat…

This new Netflix movie, The Mother, fades quickly from memory; it centers on a spy and her daughter who’s being pursued due to events from the past. Jennifer Lopez delivers a solid performance, while Lucy Paez is exceptionally good, though neither can elevate the film beyond its predictable and commonplace plot. It's disappointing considering Niki Caro was involved. Rating: D+