Mermaids (1990)

Set in 1963, a young teenager (Winona Ryder) and her kid sister (Christina Ricci) have an unconventional  and restless mother (Cher) who insists on moving frequently which means their childhood is anything but "normal". When they move to Massachusetts, the girl finds love with for the first time and a sense of normalcy. But how long before mama packs their bags and moves on? Based on the novel by Patty Dann and directed by Richard Benjamin (MY FAVORITE YEAR). In spite of being overly long, this is a charming and heartfelt coming of age story. The story itself isn't especially complicated and Benjamin's direction isn't particularly notable but the what the actors bring to the movie is pure gold! Cher is fine doing what Cher does best but Ryder brings a real sense of teen angst to her role, Bob Hoskins as Cher's "boyfriend" is irresistible and Ricci (in her film debut) is adorable. I liked it a lot. With Michael Schoeffling and Jan Miner.