now when this movie first come out and no one really saw it . critic give it bad review . part of the issue be the original term of endearment be make back in 1983. so when some of the cast come back 13 year later and it can lose some of it box office draw . however and the time that pass actually make this movie more believable a the character have also age . shirley maclaine reprise her role and do a nice job and try to raise her dead daughter child . the movie stay ground by deal with everyday issue as well a get old and the trial of a non traditional family . paxton play a nice role in this film add a little flare to the shadow plot of shirley maclaine character get old . nicholson return and although brief and help this film round itself out . see this one only if you see term of endearment first . best scene represent nicholson and maclaine re live the past on the beach .