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Trading Mom is a 1994 American fantasy-comedy film directed by Tia Brelis and starring Sissy Spacek, Anna Chlumsky, and Aaron Michael Metchik. The movie is based on the 1984 children's book "The Mummy Market" by Nancy Brelis. This film is a whimsical and magical adventure that follows the story of three young siblings who are tired of their mom's strict rules and a never-ending list of chores. They wish to trade her for a new mom who is cool and exciting.

The movie opens with the Johnson siblings, Elizabeth (Anna Chlumsky), Jeremy (Aaron Michael Metchik), and Harry (Asher Metchik), lamenting about how their mother, Mrs. Johnson (Sissy Spacek), is mean, boring, and always making them do chores. They come across a unique store called The Mommy Market, run by the mysterious Mrs. Cavour (André the Giant) and decide to check it out.

The kids soon find out that they can trade their mother for a new one of their choice. They are required to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their ideal mother that includes everything from her looks, personality, hobbies, interests, to her cooking capabilities. Each of the siblings has different choices, and this leads to some of the funniest moments in the movie.

Elizabeth settles for a mother who is glamorous, loves to dance, and wears high heels all the time. Jeremy wants a sports enthusiast mother, while Harry is looking for a mother with excellent baking skills. The kids explore the store, each finding what they think will be their perfect mom. They switch their mom with the help of Mrs. Cavour, who has a magical potion that transports the old mom to another world while their new mom arrives in her place.

Initially, the kids are thrilled with their new mothers. But they soon realize that their new moms are just too good to be true. Elizabeth's new mother is obsessed with her looks, Jeremy's mother forces him to play sports even when he's exhausted, and Harry's mother makes him eat too many sweets. The kids become unhappy with their new moms and decide to trade them back. This sets off a chain of events leading to a final showdown between the kids, their old mom, and Mrs. Cavour.

As the movie progresses, the kids learn some essential lessons, and it eventually leads to an ending that is both heartwarming and satisfying. The film addresses the fact that it is natural for children to want to break free from their restrictive parents, but ultimately, they should appreciate what they have. It is a story about the importance of family bonding, the beauty of imperfection, and the lesson that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

Sissy Spacek delivers an excellent performance as Mrs. Johnson, the strict and no-nonsense mother. The Johnson siblings are equally charismatic and hilarious, making for a fun and enjoyable ensemble cast. Andre the Giant's performance as Mrs. Cavour is notable, given that it turned out to be his last film role before his untimely death.

The movie's production design is impressive, especially the sets for The Mommy Market, which are whimsical and magical. The costumes are also noteworthy, particularly the outfits of the new mothers, which are exaggerated versions of what the children requested in their questionnaires.

In conclusion, Trading Mom is a humorous and quirky family film that captures the joys and tribulations of youth. It is an entertaining adventure that handles its fantastical elements with a lighter touch, making it suitable for children and adults alike. The movie's message is delivered with a good dose of humor, making it a fun and enjoyable watch. Trading Mom is a well-made film that has stood the test of time and is perfect for a family night viewing.

Trading Mom is a 1994 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.