Director Gary Marshall - who made his name in sitcom comedies including “Happy Days” and “Laverne and Shirley” - has a new gig. Marshall makes sentimental comedies about holidays. This started with “Valentine’s Day” in 2010, which did enough business to win Marshall the chance to follow with “New Year’s Eve.” Now comes “Mother’s Day,” cut from the same cloth and following the same formula. Big name stars Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, and Jason Sudeikis mix plot lines about divorce, parental cut-offs, adopted children looking for their parents, and the loss of a spouse. Marshall pours on the sentiment, and goes for the easy gags. Occasionally “Mother’s Day” feels like a replay of “Steel Magnolias” except without the great acting of Sally Field. I suppose a few husbands, or children will drag their mothers to see “Mother’s Day,” and I suppose those being dragged will enjoy the attention. A much better mother-daughter film called “The Meddler” opens this weekend with Susan Sarandon and Rose Byrne. “The Meddler” - now that’s a gift. As for “Mother’s Day,” maybe we’d better warn July 4th... Garry Marshall’s looking for another holiday. Does it deliver what it promises? Overly sentimental plot line stew. Is it entertaining? I suppose somebody might like it. Is it worth the price of admission? Not in my book.
