The Throwback

The Throwback is a tender grown-up person film about parenting, the fight against getting older and duller, and ultimately the power of strong loving relationships that can make not being young tolerable.

While The Throwback is structured somewhat like a reverse of Big - 1988's Tom Hanks classic about a child occupying an adult body - the switch from middle aged mom to late teen younger self is a much more interesting, less well trodden path, and is handled with a deft hand by debutant director Mario Garcia.

Garcia lets the audience cheer unashamedly and vicariously at the obvious stuff - soccer mom doing shots at pool parties - before nudging us towards more thoughtful less black and white ideas about the differences between being young and irresponsible and older with kids. Refreshingly the movie doesn't try to drag you to a trite conclusion about whether being old is better, or worse or (yawn) just different.

There is enough room left for the audience to make their own mind up either way and that's what makes the movie so engaging and easy to enjoy.

Garcia loves nudging the audience towards a gag, and he keeps the comedy train on track. But he wraps the fun in enough intellect to make The Throwback interesting as well as funny.

That would have been a lot harder without two lead actors used to straddling that divide and who seem perfectly cast for this film. Justina Machado is super easy to see as the hot mom who can just about get away with suddenly become a party girl without it seeming silly to everyone, particularly if you remember her Six Feet Under heyday when she was equally brilliant as here (and just as hot).

And Will Sasso's big dad bod bursting with love for his spiraling wife is a step up in responsibility from his balancing sidekick role in Loudermilk but he brings an understated physical humor to the role while steering clear of absolute slapstick - mostly.

If you have kids and at times wish you didn't, this movie gets you - the guilt, the frustration, the impatience, the love, the routine, the tedium. And if the kids are out or tucked up in bed on a Friday night some time soon, The Throwback is a 100-minute escape from all that and a chance to feel okay about yourself.

"The Throwback" is a powerful exploration of love, identity, and resilience, brought to life by Justina Machado and Will Sasso's incredible performances. Mario García's nuanced direction and heartfelt script balance the emotional weight of the story with moments of humor and tenderness, making the characters deeply relatable. The film's exploration of mental health within a marriage feels fresh and authentic, diving into the complexities of supporting a partner through a life-altering crisis. Machado's transformation into her younger self is both compelling and heartbreaking, while Sasso's portrayal of a husband grappling with his own fears adds depth to the narrative. The Throwback is a moving journey of healing and rediscovery that will resonate with anyone who's faced life's unexpected challenges.

8/10 - Relatable and Touching

What stood out to me in The Throwback was how relatable it felt. The struggles of balancing family life and personal growth are something many will connect with, and Justina Machado brings that tension to life brilliantly. Will Sasso adds humor and warmth, making their dynamic believable and touching. Mario García's script does a great job exploring these themes, though there were moments where the pacing felt uneven. Still, the film's heart and humor shine through, making it a delightful watch for anyone looking for a mix of laughter and reflection.

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Funny and relatable, great way to spend a Saturday night on the couch with a bowl of popcorn. The throwback was charming and unique. The acting was fantastic, this movie was perfectly cast. And we love Justina Machado, such talent. We laughed and laughed - it was great to watch as a family as the theme is so relevant to today's family.

Imagine being stressed and overwhelmed by everyday life with two young children and a husband to take care of, and feeling your career is simply not enough. Then suddenly forgetting about all of these responsibilities and regressing to college time, where all dreams were possibilities. How different your life could be! This feel good movie has a premise we can probably all relate to.

I went into The Throwback intrigued by its premise, and while it didn't fully hit every note for me, it was still an enjoyable watch. Justina Machado is fantastic, bringing charm and depth to her role as a wife navigating a life-changing crisis. Will Sasso is equally endearing as her steadfast husband, offering a great mix of humor and heart. Some parts of the story felt predictable, and certain subplots could have been explored further, but Mario García's direction keeps the film moving along nicely. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a feel-good, lighthearted drama with relatable themes.