Mom and Dad
Momentum Pictures | Release Date: January 19, 2018
5.8
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 59 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
25
Mixed:
25
Negative:
9
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
1
LuciusMcGibbonSep 8, 2018
I see people praising the premise as unique, but if these poor suckers only knew it had been done before, they would realize what a dumpster fire this movie really is without originality on its side. This movie acts like it has an interstingI see people praising the premise as unique, but if these poor suckers only knew it had been done before, they would realize what a dumpster fire this movie really is without originality on its side. This movie acts like it has an intersting story to tell, and proceeds to go absolutely nowhere with it. If the entire movie were condensed into the first and/or second act of a more complete film, then maybe it might be worth something... but that's a big maybe. A plot where parents try to murder their children has so much potential (what? why? how? etc.) and even if you can tell a great story without having to go into full exposition as to what is causing the frenzy... for God's sake, at least hint at something. All we get here is 1) parents start killing their kids, 2) zoom in on one family in particular, 3) parents chase kids for rest of runtime. No explanation, commentary or perspective of any kind. After the opening shocker at the schoolyard (which isn't shocking at all since it just introduces the advertised plot,) there's maybe one interesting scene in a maternity ward, and even that one is cringily executed (YOU CAN'T HAVE A DISTURBING SCENE WITH ROXETTE PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND!!) This movie has nothing to offer except unfulfilled hopes of something intriguing, a paint-by-numbers run/hide plot and one (maaaybe two) crazy Nicholas Cage line fit for his lifetime psycho reel. That's it..... PLEASE do yourself a favor... find the Masters of Horror episode "The Screwfly Solution" and watch that instead.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
BrianMcCriticMar 4, 2018
I hated the tone of this film from the start. This is just a mess when it could have been something fun and silly in tone. It goes in a direction that is just dumb and over the line. Gonna be on the worst of the year list for sure. F
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
jrbviwizDec 31, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was interested when I heard the concept of the movie, that something is causing parents to go crazy and kill their children, but while watching I felt that it didn't really live up to the potential. The movie feels like it's trying to have you sympathize with the kids half the time and the other half (in a dark comedic kind of way) sympathize with the parents, which just ended up making me not care about any of the characters. To make things worse, the ending just happens out of nowhere. No point to it, no resolution, just cut to black, roll credits. I will say though, it's a fun idea and crazy Nic Cage is always fun to watch, just frustrating that it could've been better and that they seemingly had no idea how to end it.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
MikefromAngusNov 4, 2018
The movie was a big surprise! It had a fresh idea and it was interesting to watch. Great ending as well
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
UnholyGhostJul 22, 2018
Great movie....if you lower your expectations you just might like this movie..it's crafty dark twisted and an interesting story
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
EricgriffinloveMar 18, 2018
With a surprising unique premise that keeps you on the edge of your seat; With a overall cast delivering good performances that overall enhance the experience. Though tone can be spotty through out the film- Mom and Dad excels on delivering aWith a surprising unique premise that keeps you on the edge of your seat; With a overall cast delivering good performances that overall enhance the experience. Though tone can be spotty through out the film- Mom and Dad excels on delivering a unique vision that can be frighting, thrilling, and confusing at times.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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3
CoKronakanFeb 28, 2019
This movie was the most awful horror movie Iv'e seen with everything wrong in it. Terrible cinematography which can give you PTSD if you are not careful. The sound cues where terrible and did not match the feel of the scene. Also the "feel"This movie was the most awful horror movie Iv'e seen with everything wrong in it. Terrible cinematography which can give you PTSD if you are not careful. The sound cues where terrible and did not match the feel of the scene. Also the "feel" of the scene... well there was no feel at all, had no immersion and plot and the events as they unfolded where simply stupidly executed, shot and acted. Sloppy script with not a lot of backstory on the virus. No real conclusion or message to the movie. The "comedy" element was basically non existent and the humor was too. Overall this is a bad movie and I honestly want the length of it back in my life with time payed which was wasted seeing this.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
Para_La_da_KapaMay 13, 2018
"Mom and Dad" presents us with a complex, captivating and original script. Nicolas Cage sends back a messy and current message, filled with horror.

Before the session began, I was skeptical of the concept of "Fathers Killing the Sons"."Mom and Dad" presents us with a complex, captivating and original script. Nicolas Cage sends back a messy and current message, filled with horror.

Before the session began, I was skeptical of the concept of "Fathers Killing the Sons". Nicholas Cage is renowned for his unusual performances, such as the women's island in "The Sacrifice" and the non-Catholic world of "Left Behind." However, it takes mastery to address such a delicate topic. Fortunately, I believe everything was used in the right doses.

Normally, expectations are higher than reality, and parents are no exception. There are days when having a child results in more thorns than roses. However, most parents would throw themselves in front of a car at that very moment if that would save their children. It is such a powerful instinct that it even fears that it could be reversed. "Beware of Mom and Dad" addresses this reality, where, little by little, parents are developing a tremendous desire to sacrifice their children. Now, this reality could be a parody similar to "Scary Movie", but that is not the case.

Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair are the well-represented parents. Within the context, this pair shows the difference between conjugal love and paternal love. Selma is especially to be congratulated, introducing a mother who genuinely loves her children, who has family and who, suddenly, is as confused as Machiavelly ingenious. Right now, it's a movie with blood and horror (to the extent that we see children being slaughtered by their parents through the most hideous forms), so there are people who will not appreciate it.

It is curious to reflect that the love between father and son can begin with instinct, while that of grandparents can only come from a constructive and affective relationship. So if we reverse instinct, how will the battle between 3 generations (grandparents-parents-children)? This detail was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the thriller.

Another key faculty of "Mom and Dad" is the progression of events. It was not from minute to minute. It all starts with a normal day of work, well, maybe a particularly emotional one ... It is also important to refer to the duology of sensations of parents and children. Normally, a movie only lives the sensations of only one

In conclusion, the script is daring and touches the foundation of our Humanity. There are people who will be touched and displeased with blood and carnage, just as there will be those who will appreciate it. I am one of the satisfied people, and although I accept the difference, I am sad knowing that I am the only Portuguese critic who, to this day, admitted to like the film. Outside, a few hours by plane from here, we have Variety and The Hollywood Reporter with positive reviews, such as the New York Post critic who claims to be disillusioned.

"Mom and Dad" presents the parent's vision, beyond the perspective of the children. Filled with moments of tension and horror, he approaches a fundamental concept based on a masterful idea.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
justwibiSep 7, 2018
what a crazy and mess movied in a F-king great way!. I love this kind of the film. original and crazy! Nic Cage & Selma Blair performance just..... scary!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
deltagilbertFeb 23, 2018
The movie presents a fun and interesting idea of parents trying to kill their kids and reminded me of the excellent Masters of Horror episode 'The Screwfly Solution'. Well, it was a fun idea until the movie just ended with absolutely noThe movie presents a fun and interesting idea of parents trying to kill their kids and reminded me of the excellent Masters of Horror episode 'The Screwfly Solution'. Well, it was a fun idea until the movie just ended with absolutely no resolution at all. No proper ending, no answers, nothing at all. Just the credits half way through the story. I felt like I'd just wasted the last 80 or so minutes of my life. I can't recommend half a movie and I'll give it half a score. 5 out of 10. Don't waste your time.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
hellpittJan 21, 2018
this is such a surprise...never seen something like this...it reminds me og the Marky mark movie about the plants killing people...like an event that triggers something in life forms that alters their normal behavior...like a response tothis is such a surprise...never seen something like this...it reminds me og the Marky mark movie about the plants killing people...like an event that triggers something in life forms that alters their normal behavior...like a response to overpopulation in the DNA...it is good guys..nice to see Cage getting good movies lately.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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7
SaviorGamingApr 22, 2018
A deranged horror comedy that has its faults but will entertain you and give you a few laughs and thrills, which is really all you need.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
temptershellFeb 5, 2018
Tragic acting, tiring dialogues and one of the worst montages I have seen in recent times. Something like King's Cell but with much worse final effect. It is a waste of time for this type of cinema.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
JLuis_001Jan 28, 2018
Probably the best performance of Nicolas Cage since Joe and from Selma Blair since Hellboy 2.

This is a black comedy, satirical and bloody, lends itself to interesting metaphors and interpretations but never crosses the point of becoming aProbably the best performance of Nicolas Cage since Joe and from Selma Blair since Hellboy 2.

This is a black comedy, satirical and bloody, lends itself to interesting metaphors and interpretations but never crosses the point of becoming a serious matter, the comic but dark tone remains.

Imagine a zombie movie in which the zombies are perfectly aware, they just simply have the urge to kill. In this case it's the parents trying to get rid of their offspring.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
GBG_JasonJan 29, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don’t care who you are; at some point in your life, someone (likely a family member) has pissed you off so badly that you see red and want to kill them. While these moments are typically just played out in your head and are brief, they are present. At the end of the day, we as people are animals, civilized ones (for the most part), but animals nonetheless. But what if you lost control of your faculties and sought out your own children, for no apparent reason, with the sole purpose of ending their lives? This is the brutal premise of Mom & Dad.



The film opens with a mother in a car with her child; she casually turns on the radio and gets out of the car. This might appear normal at first, until you see the speeding train that is headed right for the car. Cut to our introduction of the family who will be the main characters in the film going on about their day, as news reports detail cases of parents attacking their children, for no good reason. The family consists of parents Brent (played by Nicolas Cage; Con Air, National Treasure) and Kendall (played by Selma Blair; Hellboy) with their children Josh (played by Zackary Arthur; The 5th Wave) and Carly (played by Anne Winters; Tyrant). While the family does appear to have their issues, they seem to love and care for each other. The parents are dealing with midlife crises and each child seems to have their own annoying tendencies which have grown old on the parents.

Before long, parents are seen stalking schools like they are waiting for the Black Friday sales to start at Best Buy. At first, they simply appear to be weird, but upon the sight of their child, go into a ravenous fury. Before long, our characters are playing a game of cat and mouse throughout their home.



For a film that deals with children being the victim of the carnage, it does do so fairly tastefully, as most of the gruesome deaths that children face are shown off screen or at angles that make it less shocking. While this isn’t the first film to tackle this subject matter, it is one of the more eloquent options with most of the gore being directed at teenagers or parents.

With the exception of Nicolas Cage being Nicolas Cage, the acting is above expectation for a straight to video horror film and fairly believable. It is very entertaining to see the parents changing from loving care givers to bloodthirsty animals as quick as you can flip a light switch. I also enjoyed the music direction, as a number of the more chaotic moments are set to some soft or even cheerful songs.



The film’s biggest downfall is some pacing and editing issues. The film often cuts to a flashback showing the family in the midst of tender moments or on the verge of a breakdown. With the exception of an overly extended flashback that is unneeded and adds nothing to the film, these are never really detailed as to where in the story they fit or why they are there. These not only break immersion from the story, they cause the film to lose momentum during its most entertaining parts.

Another issue that overshadows the others is the lack of explanation or closure, as the movie leaves itself open for a sequel. The reason behind the attacks is speculated via the newscasts shown throughout the film, but never confirmed or fully explained. While some parents go into a blind rage and are akin to the zombies from 28 Days Later that suffer from the rage virus, others are coherent and just seeking out their children to end them. Selma Blair does seem to convey an internal struggle with her maternal instincts battling the urge to hunt down her spawn, but the others are somewhere in-between mindless creatures and normal everyday people.



While zombie horror films are a dime a dozen, Mom and Dad breaks the mold and gets the horror aspect right, despite some editing and pacing issues. It is certainly worth a rental – just don’t watch it with your kids (or parents).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
amheretojudgeApr 30, 2018
sometimes we just..

Mom And Dad A sadistic approach towards a metaphorical shallow term that never gets beyond its initial stage, set in a comic tone may not tickle the audience to that point as anticipated but it surely keeps them engagingsometimes we just..

Mom And Dad

A sadistic approach towards a metaphorical shallow term that never gets beyond its initial stage, set in a comic tone may not tickle the audience to that point as anticipated but it surely keeps them engaging with gripping screenplay and short runtime that favors on its side. Brian Taylor's smart screenplay and a fresh concept unfortunately surpasses its execution that could have improved a lot if taken care of properly. On terms of performance, Selma Blair steals the show as a frustrated and challenged parent along with Nicolas Cage and young actors as a supporting cast. Mom And Dad doesn't work as a passable amusing feature for it is something that stays with you for a long time depending upon one's taste that goes either side; pleasant or annoying.… Expand
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1
sebastianaliApr 10, 2020
Esta es una de las peores películas que jamas he visto, y no es broma. Era llamativa la temática que abarcaba, que los padres se vuelven locos y quieren matar a sus hijos. Pero simplemente termina siendo todo comedia absurda sin sentido,Esta es una de las peores películas que jamas he visto, y no es broma. Era llamativa la temática que abarcaba, que los padres se vuelven locos y quieren matar a sus hijos. Pero simplemente termina siendo todo comedia absurda sin sentido, personajes irritantes, personajes que reviven de la nada, personajes que salen de la nada y lo peor de todo un final que no explica nada, en fin, toda la película se la pasan contando cosas sin sentido como si los directores no se les ocurriera nada mejor para rellenar espacio. Por que se molestaron en mostrar escenas del pasado de la familia si al final no cumplen nada? Es que... DIOS! Que película mas incompleta y absurda!!! La única película que no me dio ni ganas de comerme los pochoclos de lo mala que es.… Expand
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5
JLauSep 25, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Parents, all of a sudden, get the urge to kill their children but luckily, for one girl, she has a friend who repeatedly fails to die as he helps her avoid her family.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
geewahJun 3, 2021
A fun idea, it's just in the execution that things go pear-shaped. This should of been a vechile for Nicolas Cage to show off his eccentric, high energy acting style, and what we see is great, it's just that there isn't enough of it.
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7
DunkaccinoFeb 28, 2023
It's self-aware, it's insane, it's stupid, it's chaotic. It's a good time .
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
THEDUDE93Apr 26, 2023
I was Prepared for a Very Bad Movie. But i was a little bit Surprised. Its a Cool Movie with a Weird Idea.
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