Earlier this year, we saw the release of One True Thing, a film that dealt with similar issues in a much better fashion. With Stepmom, director Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire) tries to give us a look at the trials and tribulations of being a stepmother.

The film follows Julia Roberts (who plays the title character) as she struggles to gain the respect and love of two kids--whose affections are still tied to their biological mother, played by Susan Sarandon. Throughout the film, Sarandon vents her disapproval of Roberts by spouting insult after insult. Of course, there is a tragic reason for Sarandon's actions, which I will not disclose.

Stepmom isn't so much a memorable film as it is a showcase for some outstanding acting. Sarandon, Roberts and Ed Harris are fantastic, but that's not much of a surprise. The performances by the children are also quite remarkable. Columbus' screenplay offers hits of wit; but for the most part, Stepmom is poorly executed. Like the dreadful Patch Adams, this film suffers from excessive sappiness; however, not necessarily to that degree. Also, many scenes seem misplaced as if the film reels were spliced together wrong.

There is no doubt that Stepmom will be a huge box office hit. But from my point of view, all that I really recommend are the performances. The film itself just didn't have much of an impact.