Julia Roberts portrays Isabel, a career-minded photographer forced into the role of unwelcome stepmother to her boyfriend Luke’s two children—— 12-year-old Anna and 7-year-old Ben. Her efforts to earn their love and respect are complicated by Jackie, Luke’s ex-wife and the kids’ fiercely devoted mother, who resents Isabel’s intrusion.
When Jackie discovers she has a terminal illness, the two strong-willed, independent women are forced to find a way to connect and reconcile. Realizing they must put aside their differences, the two women find that their love for the children is more than just common ground. Eventually they discover how to accept each other in order to live life to the fullest, while they have the chance.
Underlying Hostility Scene (1/10)
Are You Dying? Scene (4/10)
This is an interesting scene. Jackie leads Isabel on to believe she really is moving away, but it’s a lie. She’s trying to make Isabel squirm until she does squirm, then Jackie backs off out of compassion and tells her the truth. She could’ve told Isabel the truth in the 1st place, but chose to hurt her instead.
Wonderful movie. I get choked up when Julia Roberts stumbles over the word devastated because she knows he would be. She truly loves him. Yeah this movie really does teach you to not take those you love especially your own mum for granted. We all should embrace one and another and use the time we have because life is unfortunately short.
This scene is so powerful because it really touches the feels as you see it play out. Jackie really tested Isobel here, she knows she’s dying and Isobel is their future if she stays in the family. I don’t think she expected this reaction, or knew just how much she actually adored the ex husband and the kids. I guess this was a relief for the both of them in a way
Mommy’s Sick Scene (5/10)
Oh wow! What a heartbreaking scene ? The girl thought her parents might get back as a family, cancer is worst news to tell “I’m dying soon!” Jenna Malone played the perfect scared, confused, and angry daughter brilliantly.
You can’t help who you fall in love with. Julia Roberts’ character in this film happens to fall in love with a man who has two children and a controlling ex-wife. She must REALLY love him too, because for the first 2/3 of the film, the ex and the daughter put her through constant hell.
Its amazing how love can prevail over anything! this scene and the ending are the best part! Absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful ? ? ? ❤ how some people will put aside every ounce of pride or dignity when it comes to thire children. how children and parenthood changes everyone in that second you hold the new life you brought forth a part of you dies and an part of you is born again through them.for me it was and will remain my greatest accomplishment the 2 beautiful sons i have brought into this world Nothing can ever come close to that.
Some bomb acting in this whole movie, the siblings, Susan, Julia they all bodied their parts. This movie is so nostalgic and I love watching it everytime it’s on.
Losing Ben Scene (2/10)
Jackie is furious when Isabel (Julia Roberts) loses Ben and they find him at a police station.
Her anger and rage is valid by thinking her son was missing but it’s definitely exacerbated by losing her husband .Especially after she reveals that she lost Ben before as well. Even after this event she relies on the stepmom to care for the kids . The dad was always working . I understand Jackie’s side of it though because it is her children. Isabel should have been keeping an eye on him. If she couldn’t take care of them they needed to have a babysitter or the dad should have taken time off work to be with them or something. There were a hundred different things that could have happened instead of what happened, but that’s what makes the movie so great. This is one of my favorite movies ever. I love these actors and actresses. They are brilliant and very good at what they do.
This was so unfair to Isabel, the daughter was awful with her “don’t touch me” comment and Jackie was obviously angry like any mother would but it was the perfect excuse to hate Isabel even more although this was an accident and Isabel was already trying real hard to fit in. And trust me this comes from someone who had the most toxic stepmom ever, so I don’t say this lightly at all. I started to find sympathy for Jackie toward the end when she finally allowed herself to give Isabel a proper chance and step into her family. They never should have been enemies in the first place, there were only fears that could have been discussed. Sad to think it was her illness that brought them together but I guess that can be something to take away from the film, that we actually have the power to things healthy and beautiful, before it is too late.
Will You Marry Me? Scene (3/10)
This scene gives me chills, it is so beautfully crafted. OMG…I love this. This was the most creative and intimate way to propose to someone. This movie is great! But it is a painful reminder of how constrained the life of us women are.. how we still must put our faith on an honest loyal and steadfast man.. why this never almost never happens the other way around
Gotta give it up to John Williams, who composed the incredibly beautiful, sweeping and romantic music that elevated this scene into such a classic. I wonder how could he insert the ring in the full roll thread ? and slide it all the way to her finger ?