A plot synopsis makes this film sound weird, and I think maybe it is. Told through the eyes of older daughter Charlotte (Winona Ryder), who is at that awkward teenage stage when, well, you know, it concerns the Flax family in 1960s middle America. Mother Mrs Flax (Cher) has trouble settling down. Every time anything close to permanency approaches, Mrs Flax ups sticks and she, Charlotte, and little Kate (Christina Ricci, cute as a button an an early child role) move somewhere else. Charlotte badly needs to put down some roots, especially as she has an eye on this handsome local lad. But local shoe shop proprietor Lou (Bob Hoskins) has his eye on Mrs Flax, and things are nearing the tipping point again.
This film is quirky and quite charming, with terrific performances from the four principals, a lot of laughs, and a little bit of heartbreak too. The period era is nicely evoked and there is a good selection of music from the era. And the closing sequence, with the Flax family preparing a meal (with Mrs Flax's typical selection of picnic finger foods - she's not a big fan of cooking) while singing and dancing along to the Shoop Shoop Song, is absolutely joyous.
Recommended.
This film is quirky and quite charming, with terrific performances from the four principals, a lot of laughs, and a little bit of heartbreak too. The period era is nicely evoked and there is a good selection of music from the era. And the closing sequence, with the Flax family preparing a meal (with Mrs Flax's typical selection of picnic finger foods - she's not a big fan of cooking) while singing and dancing along to the Shoop Shoop Song, is absolutely joyous.
Recommended.