REEL FANS:Let go -- because the movie says so

EDITOR’S NOTE: Daily Pilot staffer Sue Thoensen went to Edwards Metro Pointe 12 to get moviegoers’ opinions of “Because I Said So,” starring Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore and Lauren Graham.

Daphne Wilder (Diane Keaton) is the mother of three daughters, Milly (Mandy Moore), Maggie (Lauren Graham) and Mae (Piper Perabo). With her 60th birthday fast approaching, Daphne decides to play matchmaker for youngest daughter Milly in what she believes is a selfless and loving attempt at preventing Milly from ending up like her — alone. Since Mom always knows best and Daphne is positive that Milly only chooses men who are wrong for her, Daphne places a personal ad in her daughter’s name, and then interviews the potential candidates herself.

“It was nice — it kept my interest. You didn’t know where they were coming from sometimes — just typical family life. I thought the performances were pretty exciting, kind of different than usual — a little complex and a lot of controversy. I think I liked the part best where the mom [Keaton] was trying to dictate to the daughter [Moore], and the daughter was trying to be herself. I guess they got to a point where they kind of realized the mom was getting too pushy, and she [Moore] wanted to be more of herself, and then they came to an agreement.”Grade: A

Alcira Navarro

Santa Ana

“I think the movie was pretty good — pretty interesting about the mom’s over-protection of her daughters. I think that’s a typical mom — nowadays, moms want to protect their daughters at all times. I think it’s pretty wonderful that [mothers] are always keeping in mind that they want to make better lives [for their daughters], and they don’t want them to make the same mistakes that they made. Then they [mothers] try to push them toward a better way, but sometimes their way just isn’t what the daughters want.Grade: A

“My favorite part is when the mom realized that you cannot live your children’s lives. I know it’s hard for them [moms] to let it go, but sometimes you have to, and I liked that they showed that part — she [Keaton] does realize that you can only do so much…. You have to let them go.”

Ignacio Navarro

Santa Ana

“I thought the movie was great. I didn’t read the reviews, so [mine] is a totally unbiased review. I thought it was great because it resonated with me as a mom who has a 17-year-old daughter who has accused me of being too hands-on with her and meddling. So it hit [home]. The writing was true to form, although I didn’t like the beginning of it because I thought the Diane Keaton character was too obnoxious — she was too over-the-top. What was engaging were the daughters, and, of course, Mandy Moore was adorable. I loved the end — that cooking class scene was awesome — it was a love fest! That was a feel-good movie. It started slow, but then it reached a fever pitch, and it grabs you at the end — you end up [leaving] happy.”

Grade: B

Suzanne Stanford

Newport Beach

“I really liked the movie. It was a chick flick, but let me qualify that. I think guys should really go see it with their wives because it would give them a sense of empathy in what their wives are going through, in terms of trying to let their children go. I think a lot of dads feel the same way, but they are hesitant to share that. My children are younger than the girls portrayed, but I can still relate to the angst she [Keaton] was going through in trying to let go and make sure that her daughters’ lives turned out the best way possible. I particularly liked the part when she [Keaton] said, ‘It was OK when I taught you to walk, and I taught you to talk, but when I see you going toward the cliff as an adult, I’m supposed to wave bye-bye and let you jump off.’ That says it all.”Grade: B+

Teresa Sniadowski

Newport Beach

“I thought the movie was really funny. Everybody — regardless of age or sex — [seemed to] thoroughly enjoy the movie. The audience was laughing and having a good time. When I left the movie, I was really happy. I don’t have any children, but I did ask my girlfriend who went with me what she learned from the movie, and she said, ‘To stay out of my kids’ business and let them do it themselves.’ I just really enjoyed the entire movie. I think Diane Keaton typically plays that type of a person, and she’s perfect for it. I don’t know if she’s like that in real life or not, but I thought it was very well cast.”Grade: A

Linda Schroeder

Costa Mesa