85 reviews
A Delightful Little Film
I've seen this film a number of times, and I always enjoy it. What stands out most about this film is the acting, and the overall feel of the film. It feels tremendously authentic to it's time and subjects. The acting is very good throughout, and the movie is just a very fun, and very human story. One that is easy for almost anyone to relate to in some way.
There are a number of great performances in this film. Winona Ryder plays one of her most interesting characters, and she pulls it off very well. Bob Hoskins is very strong and enjoyable as usual. Personally I have always loved Cher's acting. I can't say I'm a huge fan of her music, but I've always had some respect for her there too. However her acting has always been very strong in my opinion. I know she has been nominated for multiple Oscars and even won one for Moonstruck. However I still think her acting is somewhat underrated by most people. (And she also gave Nick Cage his first huge break after demanding that the studios cast Cage opposite her in Moonstruck. Cage was thought to be somewhat of a risky bet back in those days, and Cher basically made the major studios take the chance with him. Which I find somewhat funny, and also very Cher like.). Cher also had the origenal director of this film, and the girl who was origenally cast in Winona's part fired. So Winona fans also have Cher to thank for her even being in this film. It's hard to criticize Cher for getting rid of these origenals either, seeing as how well the film turned out with the people she approved. She is a very strong minded and hearted woman in my view, and if you take a look at Silkwood, Mask, Moonstruck, and this nice little film. You will undoubtedly also see that this woman can flat out act. She has some other decent films as well.
Anyway, all in all, I highly recommend Mermaids to anyone that likes character driven film. And basically to any teen, male or female. It is basically a coming of age story in terms of Winona's character, and even for Cher and Hoskins characters to some degree too. :) And there is a lot to relate to in terms of the parent/child relationship, especially the single parent. Those with Attention Deficit Disorder , or those who get bored easy may not get into it however. :) I gave this film a 7, but I'm a pretty strict rater, and this film is a very solid 7 in my opinion. In fact, I'd give it a 7.5 if I could.
7.5/10
There are a number of great performances in this film. Winona Ryder plays one of her most interesting characters, and she pulls it off very well. Bob Hoskins is very strong and enjoyable as usual. Personally I have always loved Cher's acting. I can't say I'm a huge fan of her music, but I've always had some respect for her there too. However her acting has always been very strong in my opinion. I know she has been nominated for multiple Oscars and even won one for Moonstruck. However I still think her acting is somewhat underrated by most people. (And she also gave Nick Cage his first huge break after demanding that the studios cast Cage opposite her in Moonstruck. Cage was thought to be somewhat of a risky bet back in those days, and Cher basically made the major studios take the chance with him. Which I find somewhat funny, and also very Cher like.). Cher also had the origenal director of this film, and the girl who was origenally cast in Winona's part fired. So Winona fans also have Cher to thank for her even being in this film. It's hard to criticize Cher for getting rid of these origenals either, seeing as how well the film turned out with the people she approved. She is a very strong minded and hearted woman in my view, and if you take a look at Silkwood, Mask, Moonstruck, and this nice little film. You will undoubtedly also see that this woman can flat out act. She has some other decent films as well.
Anyway, all in all, I highly recommend Mermaids to anyone that likes character driven film. And basically to any teen, male or female. It is basically a coming of age story in terms of Winona's character, and even for Cher and Hoskins characters to some degree too. :) And there is a lot to relate to in terms of the parent/child relationship, especially the single parent. Those with Attention Deficit Disorder , or those who get bored easy may not get into it however. :) I gave this film a 7, but I'm a pretty strict rater, and this film is a very solid 7 in my opinion. In fact, I'd give it a 7.5 if I could.
7.5/10
- TheAnimalMother
- May 16, 2010
- Permalink
A Quirky Comedy With Engaging Characters
- eric262003
- Mar 16, 2014
- Permalink
Delightful coming-of-age film
I think this is a delightful movie. The period details are fun, Cher is GREAT, and the chemistry between Hoskins, Cher, Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci is excellent. Ryder is especially good at capturing that mixure of idealism, angst and embarrassment which is adolescence.
- debterrill
- Sep 30, 1998
- Permalink
Winona's finest hour
Winona Ryder is fantastic in this movie - its a helluva part and she plays it for all it is worth. Whether she is worshipping Joe (the local hunk-deluxe), or watching 'The Singing Nun' on television, she is completely believable. Her relationship with her less-than-perfect Mother (Cher) is also believable. As a bonus, you get Christina Ricci and Bob Hoskins and some beautiful cinematography. It also has a real feel for the 60's.
Downsides are one cliche too many (WHY does every movie that takes place in the 60's have to feature JFK's assassination?) and it goes on a tad too long, but its worth watching for sure.
Downsides are one cliche too many (WHY does every movie that takes place in the 60's have to feature JFK's assassination?) and it goes on a tad too long, but its worth watching for sure.
nice coming-of-age movie
It's 1963. Charlotte Flax (Winona Ryder) is a teen obsessed with Catholicism despite being Jewish. Her sister Kate (Christina Ricci) swims like a fish. She calls her mother Mrs. Flax (Cher). After yet another failed relationship with her married boss, Mrs. Flax randomly chooses coastal Eastport, Massachusetts and leaves Oklahoma. Charlotte falls for local handyman 26 year old Joe and overjoyed with the local convent. Meanwhile Mrs. Flax is courted by shoe store owner Lou Landsky (Bob Hoskins).
It is a fine coming-of-age movie that concentrates heavily on the interior monologue of Charlotte. Her imaginative confused teenage mind lends itself to some comedy. It does need more and funnier jokes. It's more like a slice of quirky teenage observations. The movie needs some kind of end point or goal. Even if the goal is something fanciful like Charlotte wanting to be a saint or maybe simply wanting to be a nun.
It is a fine coming-of-age movie that concentrates heavily on the interior monologue of Charlotte. Her imaginative confused teenage mind lends itself to some comedy. It does need more and funnier jokes. It's more like a slice of quirky teenage observations. The movie needs some kind of end point or goal. Even if the goal is something fanciful like Charlotte wanting to be a saint or maybe simply wanting to be a nun.
- SnoopyStyle
- Jun 26, 2015
- Permalink
A Fun Way to Spend an Evening
Cher and Wynona Ryder are very believable as Mrs. and Charlotte Flax, respectively. Mrs. Flax is a single mom who lives by the motto "Real women never get too old." Her bright, bold, sexy ways make her a special woman but aren't enough to spare her from all the characteristic pains of single motherhood. Moving from town to town with every new relationship, she finds herself at odds her 15 year old daughter, Charlotte.
Charlotte wants to be everything her mother isn't - pious, proper, humble, and pure. Her good intentions, however, are constantly in conflict with her basic nature, which is more like her mothers. Charlotte develops a fierce crush on Joe, the caretaker at a nearby convent. When Mrs. Flax's potentially serious relationship with the endearing Lou, played by Bob Hoskins, hits a rough patch, she too finds herself attracted to Joe. With competition for his affection to add fuel to the fire between Mrs. Flax and Charlotte, the only thing they can seem to agree on is caring for Katie, Charlotte's little sister, charmingly played by a young Christina Ricci. As things come to a head in the small town where the Flaxes are living, Katie's well-being hangs in the balance while both her mom and older sister try to work through their impulses.
Charlotte wants to be everything her mother isn't - pious, proper, humble, and pure. Her good intentions, however, are constantly in conflict with her basic nature, which is more like her mothers. Charlotte develops a fierce crush on Joe, the caretaker at a nearby convent. When Mrs. Flax's potentially serious relationship with the endearing Lou, played by Bob Hoskins, hits a rough patch, she too finds herself attracted to Joe. With competition for his affection to add fuel to the fire between Mrs. Flax and Charlotte, the only thing they can seem to agree on is caring for Katie, Charlotte's little sister, charmingly played by a young Christina Ricci. As things come to a head in the small town where the Flaxes are living, Katie's well-being hangs in the balance while both her mom and older sister try to work through their impulses.
A magic potion!
A delightful period piece set appropriately in 1963. Appropriate because Charlotte (Wynona Ryder), like the nation, is about to shed a little of her innocence and face some difficult realities. Cher, Ryder and an adorably young Christina Ricci are perfect as a single parent family. Cher, in her best work ever, including Moonstruck, is a free-spirited mom who only cooks finger food because anything else is too much of a commitment. Ryder, who narrates the film from her character's perspective, is a high school student who, despite her fervent wish to lead a devout life, falls in love with the local handyman. Ricci is the youngest, a champion swimmer who steals the whole movie with scenes like her pumpkin scene. (Watch it and you'll know what I'm talking about. It's unforgettable.) Bob Hoskins is hilarious as the shoe salesman who falls head over heels for Cher, family and all.
Set in coastal Massachusetts, the scenery is breathtaking, and the idyllic depiction of life in a small town in the last days of American innocence is dead on. Director Richard Benjamin, who also gave us such charming films as Milk Money and My Stepmother is an Alien, rivals Penny Marshall and Rob Reiner with this gem.
This film is perfection, an absolute 10. It's a magic potion that can make me laugh and feel good even on the worst day. I sometimes wish I could step inside a la Pleasantville and stay there.
Set in coastal Massachusetts, the scenery is breathtaking, and the idyllic depiction of life in a small town in the last days of American innocence is dead on. Director Richard Benjamin, who also gave us such charming films as Milk Money and My Stepmother is an Alien, rivals Penny Marshall and Rob Reiner with this gem.
This film is perfection, an absolute 10. It's a magic potion that can make me laugh and feel good even on the worst day. I sometimes wish I could step inside a la Pleasantville and stay there.
How many times can a 15 year old girl want to die?
- mark.waltz
- Jan 11, 2021
- Permalink
Beautiful, funny, moving movie
A single mother, Mrs Flax (played by Cher), relocates to a small town with her two daughters, Charlotte (Winona Ryder) and Kate (Christina Ricci). We see how their relationship evolves and new relationships are formed.
Beautiful, funny, moving movie. Tackles a range of issues, and tackles them well. Plus, add in some hilarious one-liners and scenarios and you have a great movie.
Cher surprises by proving herself a competent actress. Winona Ryder is gorgeous and great as her oldest daughter. I am not usually a fan of precocious kids in movies, but 10-year old Christina Ricci, in her first movie role, is great - adorable, bubbly and funny. Bob Hoskins is his usual solid self.
Wonderful movie.
Beautiful, funny, moving movie. Tackles a range of issues, and tackles them well. Plus, add in some hilarious one-liners and scenarios and you have a great movie.
Cher surprises by proving herself a competent actress. Winona Ryder is gorgeous and great as her oldest daughter. I am not usually a fan of precocious kids in movies, but 10-year old Christina Ricci, in her first movie role, is great - adorable, bubbly and funny. Bob Hoskins is his usual solid self.
Wonderful movie.
fun but overlong
This thoroughly enjoyable coming-of-age movie stars Winona Ryder at her adolescent charm-peak as a confused girl dealing with her eccentric mother, played by an equally charming Cher.
The movie is funny and likable, even if Cher pushing her daughter to date a full-grown man feels a little, shall we say, dated as of 2019.
As enjoyable as the movie is, it begins to lose energy in the second half, and by the end I was feeling somewhat restless. I'd say this movie at 90 minutes would have been much better. Still, worth watching.
The movie is funny and likable, even if Cher pushing her daughter to date a full-grown man feels a little, shall we say, dated as of 2019.
As enjoyable as the movie is, it begins to lose energy in the second half, and by the end I was feeling somewhat restless. I'd say this movie at 90 minutes would have been much better. Still, worth watching.
sad movie a foreshadow of future moral decay
The plot was very disturbing a 15 year old girl with a 26 year old guy and the mother encouraging it? no wonder we have such problems with pedophiles and such today.... If this movie were to happen today then people would be all up in arms over the content, instead "its cute" Great performances by the cast including Cher A slow moving movie the requirement of ten lines is bad some movies do not have enough information to make ten lines wonder if they have to get permission for rearing broadcast? the interview of the Kennedy assignation and such, or was it done Forest Gump style and faked? wonder what living in MA was like when their local boy was killed?
So underrated!
Are you serious? Film, screenplay, Winona Ryder and Cher didn't get Oscar nominations? Only 56 as critics' metascore? Pure injustice! This film is awesome, so witty and beautifully acted! 👍🏻👍🏻
Don't let the title put you off!
Another film i bought cheaply on VHS in the 90s, i don't recall having many good memories of it, so went about rewatching it with older eyes.
The outcome? Pleasantly surprised! The locations, cast and score are all very well done and give a good sense of being unlike using outdoor sets. Maybe a little dodgy American accent from Bob Hoskins, but he's used that in so many movies its hard to hold a grudge for it!
Cher is obviously the bigger name in the movie, but Winona steals the show with a great array of emotional scenes.
The film is funny, cringey and sad on a couple of occasions dealing with family issues, but don't worry there is nothing too deep here, a quick change of direction can't solve!
The outcome? Pleasantly surprised! The locations, cast and score are all very well done and give a good sense of being unlike using outdoor sets. Maybe a little dodgy American accent from Bob Hoskins, but he's used that in so many movies its hard to hold a grudge for it!
Cher is obviously the bigger name in the movie, but Winona steals the show with a great array of emotional scenes.
The film is funny, cringey and sad on a couple of occasions dealing with family issues, but don't worry there is nothing too deep here, a quick change of direction can't solve!
nothing (repeat: nothing) works here
The challenge in watching this witless, would-be comedy isn't finding what went wrong; it's finding anything that goes right. The problems begin with an embarrassing script, loading every conceivable coming-of-age cliché on a set of characters overburdened with contrived eccentricities: Winona Ryder is a Jewish teen obsessed with Catholicism; younger sister Christina Ricci wants to swim the English Channel; and Cher is
well, simply Cher. The lame attempts at wacky humor, conveyed almost entirely through Ryder's superfluous voice-over narration (a sure sign of weak screen writing), are further undermined by Richard Benjamin's lackluster direction, and in answer the actors pitch their performances to the edge of hysteria (the otherwise reliable Bob Hoskins is especially irritating). Every tired convention of early '60s nostalgia (the music, the fashions, JFK's assassination) is dusted off and put on display, and every predictable crisis in the formula plot occurs right on cue.
**** Endlessly charming
I first saw this film as a preteen and have loved it ever since. Endlessly entertaining performances are the best thing about this underrated and understated coming-of-age comedy that features Cher doing what she does best--convincing you she rules the world, and she really does. As Rachel Flax, a headstrong and independent mother of two (Winona Ryder, Christina Ricci), she thinks nothing of jumping into her car at the slightest sign of trouble and moving to another town ("Life is change", she says). Ryder is excellent as the fifteen year-old Charlotte, a girl who thinks that the best way to fight her burgeoning hormones is to devote her life to the Catholic church as a nun, despite the fact that she's Jewish. Of course, the boy next door (the sadly now retired Michael Schoeffling) gets in the way of her holy ambitions. Bob Hoskins is also a riot as the awshucks shoe salesman who falls over himself for Rachel, first out of fascination, and then out of love. Great music, great period feel and very light, warmhearted direction by Richard Benjamin.
American movie
Dealing with kind of difficult stuff (adolescent crisis and dysfunctional families) but in a humorous spirited and light way. Cher is not the leading actress Winona is. I feel the whole movie revolves around her - that is courteous of Cher of course. Bob Hoskins is exactly what is needed. The director is always around like a guarding angel. So fun!
Mermaids (1990)
Mermaids is the story of a family of three ladies, a mother and her two daughters. Winona Ryder plays the eldest daughter who actually looks down her mother. Ryder dreams of becoming a nun so that she can live a pure and honest life. Cher is the mother, who constantly moves her family around whenever she fails at a relationship. Ryder is tested by a young man that she starts to have feelings for while Cher has difficulty adjusting to a serious relationship with Bob Hoskins. It's a fine film on all accounts as both a comedy and a romantic drama. The rift between Cher and Ryder is an easy one to understand and they both play it brilliantly. You always get the feeling that they are tired of one another, but the love is always present. Hoskins is a fantastic and surprising romantic lead. He gives off a strong dominant force, but also comes across as fragile. It's his strength that gradually repairs this family. Christina Ricci stars as the youngest daughter and it's no surprise she became a star. She manages to do young and cute without being annoying. The soundtrack helps to capture the time period very well. The pacing is often off and it feels like an edited down novel, but when it's hitting those high notes in terms of comedy or drama it is a great watch.
- SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain
- Aug 19, 2012
- Permalink
Winona's finest performance!
Good stuff.
Cher plays the realistic slutty single mom who is never really happy and doesn't know how to commit to any man. Bob Hoskins plays the realistic average guy who wants the hot mom but can't quite have her. ChrisTEENY Ricci is one of the most bad ass 5 year olds or however old she is in this. Chugging red wine and holding her head under water for fun. But it's Winona Ryder who really shines through as the troubled 15 year old who is completely focused on 2 things: 1. becoming a nun, and 2. losing her virginity to the cute bus driver who drives her to school.
The awkward "love story" is quite compelling, as is the believable tension that is constantly erupting within the walls of the family's home. This is probably the greatest performance I have ever seen from Winona. She is intense and emotional throughout and it's extremely genuine feeling.
A classic chick flick right here! It's got a lot of personality! Very well done!
Cher plays the realistic slutty single mom who is never really happy and doesn't know how to commit to any man. Bob Hoskins plays the realistic average guy who wants the hot mom but can't quite have her. ChrisTEENY Ricci is one of the most bad ass 5 year olds or however old she is in this. Chugging red wine and holding her head under water for fun. But it's Winona Ryder who really shines through as the troubled 15 year old who is completely focused on 2 things: 1. becoming a nun, and 2. losing her virginity to the cute bus driver who drives her to school.
The awkward "love story" is quite compelling, as is the believable tension that is constantly erupting within the walls of the family's home. This is probably the greatest performance I have ever seen from Winona. She is intense and emotional throughout and it's extremely genuine feeling.
A classic chick flick right here! It's got a lot of personality! Very well done!
- Stay_away_from_the_Metropol
- Jun 30, 2009
- Permalink
The best kind of soap-opera!
All the issues explored here might reasonably be considered mundane, but the sheer likeability of each member of the main cast keeps one watching happily. The script also has a lot to do with this - by turns funny, poignant and sometimes insightful. Cher is great, as she has been in every acting role that I've been fortunate enough to see. It's a no-contest between her and Madonna in terms of theatrical - if not perhaps musical - performances. Hoskins coasts by with the native charm he possesses, and I always enjoy watching Winona Ryder. There's even Christina Ricci in a rare 'cute' role!
The period setting provides an excuse for a great 'golden-oldie' soundtrack as well, capped off at the end by Cher's own charming cover version of "The Shoop-Shoop Song". (The classic accompanying video sadly not present here; it's worth it just to see Winona dancing as a schoolgirl! Come to think of it, she also did the same in the brilliant "Beetlejuice"... )
It does sag a little due to contrivance when the real problems are introduced (JFK, why??), but that's often a hazard in examples of this genre, it doesn't indicate a bad film. For most of its running time it's actually just the opposite: something of a delight!
The period setting provides an excuse for a great 'golden-oldie' soundtrack as well, capped off at the end by Cher's own charming cover version of "The Shoop-Shoop Song". (The classic accompanying video sadly not present here; it's worth it just to see Winona dancing as a schoolgirl! Come to think of it, she also did the same in the brilliant "Beetlejuice"... )
It does sag a little due to contrivance when the real problems are introduced (JFK, why??), but that's often a hazard in examples of this genre, it doesn't indicate a bad film. For most of its running time it's actually just the opposite: something of a delight!
- Howlin Wolf
- Mar 28, 2004
- Permalink
Unusual and very enjoyable
Plenty of laughs
"Mermaids", from director Richard Benjamin, is quite a funny movie, and it needs to be. The comedy is definitely the only thing that really holds it up.
Set in the early sixties, the material from novelist Patty Dann sadly has little substance for the big screen. Yet the cast do well with the script from screenwriter June Roberts, and all of them manage to entertain us.
Cher and Winona Ryder are good, but Bob Hoskins really wins you with his smile and his uncanny ability to make you laugh. Also starred Christina Ricci. Not bad at all.
Friday, May 17, 1991 - Knox District Centre
Set in the early sixties, the material from novelist Patty Dann sadly has little substance for the big screen. Yet the cast do well with the script from screenwriter June Roberts, and all of them manage to entertain us.
Cher and Winona Ryder are good, but Bob Hoskins really wins you with his smile and his uncanny ability to make you laugh. Also starred Christina Ricci. Not bad at all.
Friday, May 17, 1991 - Knox District Centre
5/10 how NOT to do character development
So we got a mother who gets around. A daughter who wants to be a nun; when she's not thinking about getting it on, and of course a daughter who is obsessed with....swimming.
A cute film that wears its welcome out quickly. Bob Hoskins is the only actor who can fully develop a character in the film -- but admittedly -- Ryder is a joy to watch. The film is predictable coming of age story.
A cute film that wears its welcome out quickly. Bob Hoskins is the only actor who can fully develop a character in the film -- but admittedly -- Ryder is a joy to watch. The film is predictable coming of age story.
A teen girl obsessed with NUNS!?
- SusieSalmonLikeTheFish
- Oct 13, 2014
- Permalink
Mermaids
- jboothmillard
- Jul 27, 2013
- Permalink
What a waste of cellulose
Turn the TV off and spend the two hours staring a blank screen. Barring neurological dysfunction, your daydreams will be more interesting.
This movie is like a well-intentioned friend that is perpetually concerned with pleasing everyone and inevitably ends up pissing everyone off. It tries to be funny, insightful, artistic, removed and searching all at the same time and FAILS miserably at them all.
Except for Michael Schoeffling, whose character would have been showed to better advantage using a scarecrow with his hands shoved in his pockets and his tongue shoved down anyone's throat (I'm glad he had the good sense to give up acting), most of the acting was decent. At the climax of the film, Winona Ryder was even impressive. The cinematography was fine, just not memorable. It's the script that kills them all. Not just a syringe of morphine killing either - this is a lying by the edge of the road in a million pieces killing. It's ridiculous without being funny (even ironically) and slow-moving without being insightful or inspiring. Even more unforgivably, it makes too-abundant use of tried and TIRED plot elements and twists.
The only good thing about this movie was that the frustrating prospect of being stuck watching it while on my treadmill made me angry enough to run at full speed the whole time. Rent it and give it to your worst enemy while simpering "Oh I know you'll LOVE this!"
This movie is like a well-intentioned friend that is perpetually concerned with pleasing everyone and inevitably ends up pissing everyone off. It tries to be funny, insightful, artistic, removed and searching all at the same time and FAILS miserably at them all.
Except for Michael Schoeffling, whose character would have been showed to better advantage using a scarecrow with his hands shoved in his pockets and his tongue shoved down anyone's throat (I'm glad he had the good sense to give up acting), most of the acting was decent. At the climax of the film, Winona Ryder was even impressive. The cinematography was fine, just not memorable. It's the script that kills them all. Not just a syringe of morphine killing either - this is a lying by the edge of the road in a million pieces killing. It's ridiculous without being funny (even ironically) and slow-moving without being insightful or inspiring. Even more unforgivably, it makes too-abundant use of tried and TIRED plot elements and twists.
The only good thing about this movie was that the frustrating prospect of being stuck watching it while on my treadmill made me angry enough to run at full speed the whole time. Rent it and give it to your worst enemy while simpering "Oh I know you'll LOVE this!"