Stepmom
Seen it?1998 | 125 min | Drama, Romance, Comedy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Audiences rate it highly (7.2 out of 10) and it was a solid box office hit, though it had middling reviews (46% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Husbands and Wives or The Bridges of Madison County, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 5 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Critics were cooler on it than audiences.
Jackie is a divorced mother of two. Isabel is the career minded girlfriend of Jackie’s ex-husband Luke, forced into the role of unwelcome stepmother to their children. But when Jackie discovers she is ill, both women realise they must put aside their differences to find a common ground and celebrate life to the fullest, while they have the chance.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
46% on Rotten Tomatoes, 58 on Metacritic
- AudiencesStrong
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$160 million worldwide on a $50 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 372K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Anywhere but Here
Weeknight WatchAlso stars Susan Sarandon, in another romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Husbands and Wives
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy that fewer people know today.
The Bridges of Madison County
Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Young Adult Sunday Safe BetAnother dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Proposal Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Chris Columbus
- Julia RobertsIsabel Kelly
- Susan SarandonJackie Harrison
- Ed HarrisLuke Harrison
- Jena MaloneAnna Harrison
- Liam AikenBen Harrison
- Lynn WhitfieldDr. P. Sweikert
- Darrell LarsonDuncan Samuels
- Mary Louise WilsonMrs. Franklin
- Andre B. BlakeCooper
- Herbert RussellPhoto Assistant