“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? MOMS’ NIGHT OUT is an endearing true-to-life family comedy that celebrates the beautiful mess called parenting.”
It has been an intense few weeks around here, and a bit of fun was called for. I did not lose the irony of going to see a movie titled “Mom’s Night Out” at 11 am on a Friday with my three daughters. The movie may be about trying to get out of the house without your kids, but for me taking my girls was just about as fun! A few months ago, the FamilyLife staff were invited to a Sneak Peek of this movie – one of the perks of being on staff with FamilyLife. We get a free movie, and fill out a feedback survey in return – a good deal all around. When I went to the preview I did leave the girls home – maybe not an official ‘Mom’s Night Out’ but at least a date night with Eric.
I must confess that I was concerned when I read the description of the movie before going. I think we have way too many jokes at the expense of the American Dad! In most media today the Dad is either a villain or a clown. I was worried that this movie would go too far in the clown direction. I don’t have any interest in elevating motherhood by bashing fatherhood. Thankfully I felt like there was enough balance here – both parents were flawed but faithful – doing their best in the midst of the challenges of parenting. Eric and I both laughed so much that we couldn’t wait until it came out in the theater so we could take the girls. This is another perk – this time a perk of living in the ‘Bible Belt’ – any faith based movie that comes out opens in every theater in town! In our previous locations we would often not have a theater within hours of us that would even be willing to show a movie like ‘Fireproof’ or ‘Mom’s Night Out’. If you live in one of those areas, please keep your eye out for when the video comes out. I think most anyone would enjoy this fun reminder of what the crazy baby days were like, and if you are still in the midst of those days – collect a few Mom friends and make it a ‘Mom’s Night Out’!