The Bad Mother's Handbook [DVD]

First, why is the guy a focus on the cover photo? He was a minor character.This was so close to being pretty good. However, we didn't really get much character development from any of the characters. The mom got a bit more than the rest but overall, it was poorly done.The actors did a good enough job. It just feels like the story wasn't flushed out well. It has a lot of potential. It just fell short.

very well written play/screenplay. focuses primarily on motherhood at various stages. there is the elderly woman who had adopted a daughter years ago and never told her. her daughter is the central character, obsessing on what it all means: did her birth mother hate her, why did she give her up? what sort of loyalty does she owe to her adoptive mom? then the situation plays out again in some sense for her own daughter, pregnant very young, and trying to figure out what to do next. how to balance motherhood, her own future, and various relationships. extremely well acted, and competently directed, with just the right pace of unraveling past issues.

What a wonderful, endearing film. So well acted and authentically portrayed. Women of all ages will recognize themselves here along with the struggles we all face with whom we choose, or don't choose, and the paths our lives may take based on a decision that sometimes doesn't really seem like it's in our hands. Struggles with our multiple roles as lovers, mothers and children, and learning to value the men in our lives who don't see us as irrelevant (which is how we so often view ourselves) affects so many of us and is dealt with here in humor and a forthrightness that I found quite refreshing. I laughed and cried and connected with things in my own life, and isn't that what entertainment is all about?

... love, love, LOVED this film !! Everyone played their parts with excellence ... this is the way families should respond to internal family matters ... with pure, unconditional love !!

actually, if I could go 4.5, I would. Another brilliant British movie. We have Robert Pattinson on the cover but he isn't the focal point of the story, however, he does give another brilliant turn in this movie. he always seems to be brilliant. Nope, this is the story of the ladies, 3 generations, charlotte, her mom and her grandmom. Can I even start to tell you what a terrific movie this is and what amazing performances there are in it. Tears, laughs and tons of love too. If you want a terrific multi-generational movie with a great story and acting....GET THIS MOVIE. Oh, Charlotte's Dad is a hoot, too. Another superior ensemble cast.

I absolutely ADORED this movie! Sign me admittedly guilty of buying this DVD only because of the RPattz factor. However, this movie turned out to have a much more substantial storyline than I initially expected. It was refreshing, compelling,and endearing with a twist of humor. The dynamics of the grandmother, mother, and daughter relationships were thought provoking. The storyline gives you much to consider and want to discuss later. I never would have expected this high caliber from a supposed B teen angst movie. However, a disconnect for me was they didn't show how the other students, faculty or neighbors, etc. reacted towards a pregnant teen in British society. I would have appreciated seeing those struggles. Charlotte's pregnancy came across as unrealistically commonplace and acceptable minus any hardships, ostracism, repercussions, etc.; whereas the rest of the movie was so painfully realistic at times that I was moved to tears. There wasn't a message for teens not to get pregnant here. I found the meaning was more directed towards women, their relationships and honesty. Nonetheless, I liked the film very much. It was entertaining and left you wanting to know more. I thought all the actors even down to the saucy ex-husband did a convincing impressive portrayal. As far as the RPattz factor, I thought he was amazing and did one of his best performances as the awkward geek. Frankly, he stole every scene with his warm humor and gentle approach although he was only in a handful of scenes (still worth buying the DVD though for fans!). He had a natural ease in his acting delivery then, which I think he should get back to in the films he's doing now. I'd highly recommend this movie for RPattz fans, pregnant teens and people looking for their birth mothers - not sure who else would find this film as amusing as I did! I plan to watch it over and over again. Hope you enjoy, too!

Okay, I get that this movie is the equivalent of "made for TV" here in the U.S. I get that it's kind of "fluffy", dealing with heavy themes (adoption, unplanned pregnancy, family secrets) with a big dose of sardonic humor. I've never read the book, either. I'll admit that I bought the movie because Robert Pattinson was in it and I was curious about his early acting roles. I didn't expect much. What I found was a cute, somewhat heartwarming little film about family ties, VERY British, with likeable characters. Rob's only in it somewhat (which I expected) and it's obvious he's at the beginning of his career--although he has some great moments with his portrayal of awkward, socially-inept Daniel. Holly (these days she's Holiday) Granger is also fun to watch and other actors are adequate (although there are one or two stereotypes which were played a bit too camp for me). Still, I've watched this several times, usually when I just want something light-hearted. Fun little movie!On a side note, Robert and Holiday appear together in the recent film Bel Ami. Interesting to see their progression as actors a few years later.

This movie isn't 'face' time for Robert Pattinson so if that's what your hoping for then you maybe a bit disappointed not that he's not throughout the movie but the focus is actually on the 3 women in the film, mainly Catherine Tate. It's about mother-daughter relationships (all kinds). It's a wonderful film for me because I enjoy the actors presented and I think the film was well shot, and the movie was one that I enjoy. I won't give away the details but I will say it can be a movie that can make you laugh and cry, if you're into it.

Bad Mother's Handbook (Catherine Tate) [DVD] [2006 ]I'm always looking for a one off British drama to watch, and this one ticks all the boxes, it's well acted and rather touching, sometimes funny. Catherine Tate as the main character is quite unlikeable and selfish in this role, and her attitude can be shocking. Holly Grainger, who plays the daughter, is shown as tough, funny and the sort of daughter anyone would be proud of, which makes her Mother's attitude even harder to watch. But, I think we're looking at family life without the sparkle. Bad Mother's Handbook (Catherine Tate) [DVD] [2006

Thoroughly enjoyed this film, I like Anne Reid and the young Mr Pattinson is quickly becoming the darling of Hollywood! not a huge fan of Ms Tate but I have to admit she was excellent in this film, it has made me want to watch more of her work (didn't like the Donna character from Dr Who, but love the Nan character from her shows! seems she took a liberty that worked with this film tho' well done again!) also well done to the actress who plays charlie, i have a feeling we shall be seeing more of her and well done to Maggie Ollerenshaw as a cold-hearted character too!

I remember watching this a while ago on ITV and laughed out loud. Got it to cheer myself up and watched it with my daughter. We laughed so much. All the characters are well played. Anna Reid is great as the nan losing her marbles. Holly Grainger has the most ear piercing scream!!! Catherine Tate is a tad annoying. Robert Pattinson makes you giggle tripping over his feet and the specs are quite "special". Watch it and have a giggle. Bad Mother's Handbook [DVD ] Bad Mother's Handbook [DVD

As a Robert Pattinson fan, my main interest in this is to see him in action in a very early part and he doesn't do a bad job but still feels like someone learning the ropes. I have to admit, I find Caterine Tate a bit irritating, she was OK in this but I was particularly taken with Holly Grainger who gave an excellent performance. Quite a sweet story about the difficulties of teenage pregnancy.

OK, OK...I admit I bought this DVD because I was curious to see some pre-Twilight Robert Pattinson... (and he does not disappoint, ladies...) but really it's quite good,sometimes really sad, sometimes extremely funny and with a good plot and pace. Women are the main characters in the story, and the portraits of the 3 generations is really interesting and tender. Plus there's the family secret but I won't say anything here... it's all about searching one's identity and finding one's place in the world. Even if it's basically a comedy it's deeper than it looks. Now there are also great comedic moments. Those who love Robert will just adore him in this part as an awkward young man tripping over his own feet. He's very good and even though you won't find him as sexy as dazzling Edward in Twilight, he just wins you over.