On paper, this might seem to be just another predictable, formula thriller - the "mother from hell", after the "nanny from hell" ("The Hand That Rocks The Cradle") and the "temporary secretary from hell" ("The Temp"). But the screenwriters have managed to set up some psychologically complex situations and interesting character conflicts, and the French director, Yves Simoneau, shows a distinctive flair in his camerawork that makes the familiar material look much better than it should. Unfortunately, there are a few too many contrivances near the end ("freak accidents", cars with no brakes, etc), but the three main stars are all very fine and keep us involved in the story. (**1/2)
Review of Mother's Boys
