Moms’ Night Out (9/2/2014)

Rated PG for mild thematic elements and some action.

Starring Patricia Heaton, Sarah Drew, Trace Adkins, Sean Astin, Sammi Hanratty

Directed by Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin (October Baby)

Yes, it’s a Christian film so there is a fair amount of cheese, but Patricia Heaton and Trace Adkins are fun to watch.

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed “moms’ night out.” But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a paper bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for three hours—what could go wrong? Mom’s Night Out is an endearing true-to-life family comedy that celebrates the beautiful mess called parenting.

Let’s begin with the premise: Three pretty normal moms want a break from their kids… yet they experience anything but a normal evening.

This “Christian film” feels less like its counterparts Heaven Is For Real or God’s Not Dead and more like a family-friendly romantic comedy. The life lessons about morals and values are cleverly packaged in humor as the mothers’ night-on-the-town turns into one bizarre event after another.

I mean, where else can you start at a fancy restaurant and end up in a tattoo parlor? Needless to say, some of the plot twists require more than the normal suspension of logic.

But the characters are all very likable — especially Allison and Sondra. Country music superstar Trace Adkins adds even more humor as the leader of a motorcycle gang named “Bones.”

So car chases and ridiculous plot twist aside, Adkins and Heaton deliver some great lessons about family and raising kids. And that’s worth way more that a “rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This PG film is fine for students.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. As a teenager, what do YOU think would be the hardest part about being a parent?


2. How do you think your parents would answer that question?


3. What do you think your parents most important job is?


4. Read Proverbs 22:6
   
   Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.
   
   According to that verse what is your parents most important job?


5. How have your parents taught you right from wrong?


6. How have you responded to that instruction?


7. What can you do to make being a parent easier for your mom and dad?