Rental Movie Review - All About My Mother ***

Todo Sobre Mi Madre - 1999
Directed by - Pedro Almodóvar
Writing credits - Pedro Almodóvar
Genre: Drama / Comedy (more)
Main Cast:
Cecilia Roth .... Manuela Coleman Echevarría
Marisa Paredes .... Huma Rojo
Candela Peña .... Nina Cruz
Antonia San Juan .... Agrado
Penélope Cruz .... Sister María Rosa Sanz
Eloy Azorín .... Esteban Coleman Echevarría

Most of Almodóvar's films have come to be expected as good rent worthy films for me. He has directed a few 'must see' films and the realism depicted in many of these films demand respect from this amateur critic. The bad thing from being a well known director is that viewers develop a sense of expectation based on the previous viewings. I am glad to report that this movie met my expectations. This small movie as with other Almodóvar’s films intertwines different lives and brings them together with one event. A well written story with interesting characters and nice plot is another must see movie.

There are charismatic characters that the actors portray, especially Antonia San Juan, who plays the transvestite loyal friend. This character was a delight to watch. I'm not a fan of Penélope Cruz. I think he acting is over hyped & can be replaced. Her face however does bring certain innocence about her. That look helped her with one of the film's characters. The true star of this film is Manuela's character (the mother)- Cecilia Roth. She performs well not overacting in scenes that could have easily taken her there.