Anywhere But Here (1999) *

Directed by Wayne Wang. With Susan Sarandon, Natalie Portman and Bonnie Bedelia. Forever embarassed by her eccentric mother (Sarandon), a young Wisconsin girl (Portman) finds it difficult to feel at home in sunny California. But, this being a typical Hollywood melodrama, she overcomes all the usual obstacles and gradually comes to accept her mother's love and possessiveness. Bottom line: fine acting, so-so script, and a critical shortage of original ideas.