Mother (1996)

After a failed second marriage, a science fiction writer (Albert Brooks) decides his relationship problems stem from his relationship with his mother (Debbie Reynolds). To that end, he decides to move back home and into his old room to resolve some issues. Co-written (with Monica Johnson) and directed by Brooks, this is a witty and clever comedy that most of us can relate too. Haven't we all at some time or other been exasperated by our mother's inability to understand us and vice versa? It got great reviews when it opened and went on to win both the New York Film Critics award and National Society Of Film Critics award for best screenplay. With Reynolds' recent passing (what a shitty year 2016 has been!), I wanted to revisit her last really great performance and she's marvelous here. Her comedic timing is impeccable but she brings more than just her talent as a comedic actress, she brings a poignant depth to a woman of a certain generation who had to put her dreams away in order to raise her children. A genuine gem and if you've not seen it, worth going out of your way to check it out. With Rob Morrow, Lisa Kudrow and Anne Haney.