Chronicle Review: Keaton disappoints in new movie

By on February 21, 2007

The movie “Because I Said So” shows exactly how crazy an overbearing mother can make someone feel. It stars Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore, with supporting roles from Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo.

In the film, Daphne (Keaton) plays the mother of three daughters, including Maggie (Graham), Mae (Perabo) and Milly (Moore). Determined to not let Milly make the same mistakes with men that she did, Keaton tries to find the perfect man for Milly and puts her picture in the online personals without her knowing. This scenario causes the daughters to help their mother discover the boundaries of motherly love.

The movie is enjoyable with the exception of Keaton’s performance. Much of the movie is spent on her quite obviously overacting many of her scenes. Her character is also so unlikable by the middle of the movie that it becomes almost irritating to watch. Toward the end she begins to redeem herself by finally becoming less annoying, although it is too late for movie goers to even enjoy her overall in the movie.

Mandy Moore, on the other hand, does a great job of portraying her character and even makes you feel sympathetic toward her. Although not the deepest of acting, it does seem more real than Keaton’s performance and that counts for something. Both Graham (“Gilmore Girls”) and Perabo (“Coyote Ugly”) do a great job of providing humor for the movie and should have made more appearances in the film.

The movie allows the audience to let out some laughs and at some parts even possibly shed a tear. Although it is not a movie that will end up leaving a huge impression on audience members, it does allow for a good hour-and-a-half. It also boasts a handful of attractive men, which makes it a great movie for a bunch of female friends to go see.

The movie is quite predictable, which is to be expected, yet it is still fun and refreshing.

Overall, “Because I Said So” is the same old chick flick with some decent acting. Although not a memorable movie, it is definitely worth checking out.


About Meghan Driscoll