Delta Burke pulls quite a Jekyll & Hyde in this TV-made rip-off of "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle". A childless woman, desperate to have a baby, must undergo an emergency hysterectomy to save her life; upon recovery, she feels her chances at having a family have been stolen and goes after the female doctor who performed the surgery, systematically ruining the woman's life and career. Exploitation of real-life horrors is played to the hilt by Burke, twinkling like an evil, overgrown pixie. Still, it's shameful swill, and one is almost embarrassed to get caught up in the outrageous plot contrivances, amusing as they are. That said, the climactic showdown doesn't quite work (it's the only sequence which is awkwardly staged) and the "Psycho"-inspired tag at the end pushes the seriousness of the subject (revenge, kidnapping, etc.) into camp territory that renders the rest of the movie cartoonish.
13 Reviews
Campy fun, if you know what to expect
TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews22 August 2006
How does one go about adding to a genre where every scenario has been done, every point made, and most important of all, all of the details, plot items and twists so often done in a similar fashion that they tend to become clichés? One makes a campy throwback to the genre, using and spoofing the clichés and in no way venturing on any new ground. I can't imagine that this film was supposed to be taken seriously. The negative reviews seem to do so, hence their less than favorable reaction and view of the movie. The lead character finds that she's unable to give birth, robbing her of her dream of a family. So what else to do than try to avenge her situation... through a wide selection of manipulations as well as several hissy fits. I don't think it actually gets any more formulaic than that. Same goes for the cinematography and for the most part, the editing. There's very little ingenuity or creative energy put in, there. I did think the score was fair, with a delightfully ultra-campy addition... in at least two pieces of music, I noticed the tones and rhythm of the "Mockingbird" lullaby(which the main character is heard singing several times, altering the lyrics to fit the immediate scene) that had been mixed in, almost seamlessly. The acting is mostly overdone, making supposedly serious scenes funny, intentionally or not. The intense scenes are done OK, but as most everything else about the film, they're mostly good for a laugh. The dialog almost sounds smart, at times, but there's not far between the really silly exchanges. The plot just barely holds up, but it certainly doesn't surprise(or really draw you in). The pacing is OK. In spite of having watched this before, I wasn't terribly bored(then again, I couldn't remember or recognize much of what I saw, either). Really, from the opening scene of Delta Burke singing earlier mentioned lullaby, there's little doubt that this is campy... and I'm almost certain that it was on purpose. Know what to expect from this one. I recommend it to fans of camp and spoof films that disguise themselves(badly) as serious entries in the genres that they parody. 6/10
Delta on a roll
blanche-217 August 2005
This is a revenge on all those who wronged me film, this one starring the wonderful Delta Burke. I doubt anyone involved took this movie very seriously. Delta is totally over the top, intentionally, I think, as a woman who goes nuts after a hysterectomy is performed to save her life. Her husband and best friend were part of the decision to do the surgery. Tracy, the main character, goes after everyone involved, her husband, the friend, the doctor, the doctor's husband, determined to destroy them. It's a long list. The phrase "I wouldn't want to run into her in a dark alley" does not apply here. You don't want to run into this woman while she's in a car, a field, a building, your office, her house, your house - no place. There is an especially funny scene where Tracy, eye makeup smeared, watches her doctor on television. You can just see the madness in her eyes.
Delta Burke wears her own designs for plus-size women in the film, and she looks great. She has an Elizabeth Taylor face - to me, she always exudes beauty. She plays this role for all its worth. It's right on the edge of camp - actually, maybe it slid to the other side.
Delta Burke wears her own designs for plus-size women in the film, and she looks great. She has an Elizabeth Taylor face - to me, she always exudes beauty. She plays this role for all its worth. It's right on the edge of camp - actually, maybe it slid to the other side.
campy fun
petershelleyau16 February 2002
Executive produced by Delta Burke, she is a pregnant woman who loses her baby when it is discovered she has cancer of the left ovary, and her doctor Eva Warden (Beth Broderick) performs a hysterectomy rather than remove the ovary. Burke then seeks vengence on Dr Warden - her home, her practice, her husband, her baby, and her life. Burke throws herself into all this with abandon, playing along with the campy direction by George Kaczender. Styled in her own Design wardrobe, she looks beautiful, a bit like Roseanne, particularly when wearing a red seductress dress with plunging neckline. Burke is very funny whether having a tantrum in a toilet stall or throwing pencils over her shoulder after she stubs out the point. The teleplay by Lisa Friedman Bloch and Kathy Kirtland Silverman makes Burke infantile in her anger, with a large doll collection, the kind of person who yells when they attack. That she has such good fortune in carrying out her plans makes the denouement disappointing,and the end definitely suggests a sequel was contemplated.
I Do Hope This is A Spoof
Theo Robertson28 August 2005
Some people can't get enough of these " stalker from hell " type movies right ? We've had SINGLE WHITE FEMALE , UNLAWFUL ENTRY etc and there was nowhere for the genre left to go . Enter MATERNAL INSTINCTS which spoofs this type of thriller
Tracy Horton wants a baby . She goes into hospital and it's found she's suffering from cancer of the womb so she is given an emergency hysterectomy which means she cant have children . This sets up the story for some comedy touches . At least I think they were comedy touches , well of course they're comedy touches I mean no one can take take the dialogue seriously can they . I mean what sort of idiot would write a line where a character wakes up in hospital and says :
" You mean I can't have children ? Why didn't you just kill me ? "
Does anyone need me to point out that Doctors aren't allowed to kill their patients on purpose ? If you want to get killed on purpose move to London and attract the attention of the police . Tracy doesn't seem to know this so it's left to other people to point out simple truths to her like :
" If you bought a lottery ticket yesterday you could have been a millionaire today "
Obviously Tracy is very frustrated about not knowing this because it seems to turn her into a sociopath , I mean she can't have children and she never buys a lottery ticket so who wouldn't be frustrated in her position so she takes her anger out on Dr Eva Warden , the woman who was responsible for saving her life . I won't spoil what happens but look out for the climax which rips off the original TERMINATOR movie .
Very sophisticated spoof that knowingly winks to a critical audience who always ask awkward questions like " Why didn't Tracy have children long before this " Probably because they cast someone who looks like a cross between Roseanne Barr and Elvira . Would you want to give her a baby ? Would you even be capable of getting aroused ? Very sophisticated spoof . I do hope it's a spoof
Tracy Horton wants a baby . She goes into hospital and it's found she's suffering from cancer of the womb so she is given an emergency hysterectomy which means she cant have children . This sets up the story for some comedy touches . At least I think they were comedy touches , well of course they're comedy touches I mean no one can take take the dialogue seriously can they . I mean what sort of idiot would write a line where a character wakes up in hospital and says :
" You mean I can't have children ? Why didn't you just kill me ? "
Does anyone need me to point out that Doctors aren't allowed to kill their patients on purpose ? If you want to get killed on purpose move to London and attract the attention of the police . Tracy doesn't seem to know this so it's left to other people to point out simple truths to her like :
" If you bought a lottery ticket yesterday you could have been a millionaire today "
Obviously Tracy is very frustrated about not knowing this because it seems to turn her into a sociopath , I mean she can't have children and she never buys a lottery ticket so who wouldn't be frustrated in her position so she takes her anger out on Dr Eva Warden , the woman who was responsible for saving her life . I won't spoil what happens but look out for the climax which rips off the original TERMINATOR movie .
Very sophisticated spoof that knowingly winks to a critical audience who always ask awkward questions like " Why didn't Tracy have children long before this " Probably because they cast someone who looks like a cross between Roseanne Barr and Elvira . Would you want to give her a baby ? Would you even be capable of getting aroused ? Very sophisticated spoof . I do hope it's a spoof
Awful
footyhannah125 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Although Beth Broderick in her role as the Dr in this film was OK and fairly realistic, I thought Delta Burke was absolutely awful. I've never been a huge fan of her anyway but I thought her deliverance of the character was not thrilling, or even a little scary however if she was meaning for Tracy to be annoying, then well done. Burke seemed to be overacting and thought that having little bursts of tantrums, made the character seem unstable, but it made me laugh. Maybe this was not the actresses fault and that it was the director or writers fault either way the character was flat. The actions of Tracy was so annoying. Why the writers thought pushing trolleys (or shopping carts) into someone was a great revenge scene and high on the action, I don't know. The only reason I watched this movie to the end was that I was hoping to see the highly annoying Tracy end up dead... But did that happen? No. This movie only managed to annoy me. And they left it open for a sequel with Tracy's little comment at the end. Please don't make a sequel.
Sorry if you liked this movie but personally its one of the worst I've seen.
Sorry if you liked this movie but personally its one of the worst I've seen.
I really really liked this movie
evergreen_1226 May 2002
This movie was very good. Mostely because of Beth Brodericks (Dr. Eva Warden) acting. The movie aren't so very predictable and that keeps the excitement going til the end. I really really liked this movie and I have seen it several times. Brodericks acting is great throughout the whole movie and she makes it worth seeing.
A Chilling But Yet Wonderfully Made Movie
president24200718 January 2004
`Maternal Instincts' is a frightening and chilling movie in many aspects but it is nevertheless enthralling and recommended viewing. A strong cast, a gripping storyline and a comprehensive script combines to make this movie into a first class and high quality event.
Delta Burke provides a frighteningly realistic portrayal of a woman who desperately yearns to have kids and is devastated when circumstances prevent her from doing so -and determined to get revenge on those whom she wrongly considers to have destroyed her life. The high quality of Delta Burke's acting and the complex dimensions that she and the scriptwriters provide to her character make for compelling viewing.
Beth Broderick also provides a first class performance as Dr Eva Warden -a very professional and yet sympathetic doctor who is the target of an organized vendetta just because she performed her duty. Beth Broderick has always been an excellent actress and her qualities shine through in this drama. She manages to make the viewer feel a considerable outpouring of sympathy, concern and even love for her character.
A strong supporting cast also contributes to the success of this movie -especially Sandra Nelson in her capacity of Sabrina Lloyd. The music, the special effects and the melodrama are also well suited to the tone of this movie and it fits in wonderfully with the wider plot.
If you are a fan of this genre of TV drama, I would definitely consider `Maternal Instincts' to be one of the best movies I have seen in a long time and would definitely recommend it to viewers
Delta Burke provides a frighteningly realistic portrayal of a woman who desperately yearns to have kids and is devastated when circumstances prevent her from doing so -and determined to get revenge on those whom she wrongly considers to have destroyed her life. The high quality of Delta Burke's acting and the complex dimensions that she and the scriptwriters provide to her character make for compelling viewing.
Beth Broderick also provides a first class performance as Dr Eva Warden -a very professional and yet sympathetic doctor who is the target of an organized vendetta just because she performed her duty. Beth Broderick has always been an excellent actress and her qualities shine through in this drama. She manages to make the viewer feel a considerable outpouring of sympathy, concern and even love for her character.
A strong supporting cast also contributes to the success of this movie -especially Sandra Nelson in her capacity of Sabrina Lloyd. The music, the special effects and the melodrama are also well suited to the tone of this movie and it fits in wonderfully with the wider plot.
If you are a fan of this genre of TV drama, I would definitely consider `Maternal Instincts' to be one of the best movies I have seen in a long time and would definitely recommend it to viewers
Severe Complications...
azathothpwiggins29 June 2021
MATERNAL INSTINCTS stars Delta Burke as Tracy Horton, who is desperate to have a baby. Her husband is amazed by her zealous pre-planning. When circumstances arise that render Tracy unable to conceive, she doesn't take it well.
Now, everyone Tracy holds responsible for her "barren" condition is on her enemies list, including her pregnant doctor! Indeed, Tracy's slipped a few gears, and not even her husband is safe.
Fans of Ms. Burke should love seeing her so unhinged, wreaking havoc, and going completely berserk in a bathroom stall! She plays her role with gusto, making her vengeful onslaught a wonder to behold!
BEST PART: Tracy's cold, calculated destruction of her doctor's life is delectably eeevil!
The final, wrench-swinging showdown slaps the icing on this cake good and proper!...
Now, everyone Tracy holds responsible for her "barren" condition is on her enemies list, including her pregnant doctor! Indeed, Tracy's slipped a few gears, and not even her husband is safe.
Fans of Ms. Burke should love seeing her so unhinged, wreaking havoc, and going completely berserk in a bathroom stall! She plays her role with gusto, making her vengeful onslaught a wonder to behold!
BEST PART: Tracy's cold, calculated destruction of her doctor's life is delectably eeevil!
The final, wrench-swinging showdown slaps the icing on this cake good and proper!...
Tons of Fun!!
cptnhook1328 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
One of the most hilarious LMN movies ever!!! From the yowling of Tracy (Delta Burke) to the 20+ pentatonic/minor variations of "Hush Little Baby," this masterpiece delivers what angry fat women want: Angry fat women with a HUNGER for getting even!!
Watching obsessed, momma-wannabe Tracysaurus Rex lose her mind after a life-saving hysterectomy is just the start of the good times. She waddles through the scenes with maniacal precision, crushing a baby crib, beating the cheese out of her wimpy husband, and (reluctantly) tossing a pint of chocolate ice cream at the TV showing her nemesis. All of these gross actions are done with a yeti-like power yelp that would send Xena running for the nearest cave.
Her Terminator-esquire mission is to get the revenge she deserves on the doctor that wronged her, and she'll stop at NOTHING to finish the job. Well, other than a few stops for food along the way. Her resolve knows no boundaries, nor does her "appetite" for vengeance.
A must-see for real LMN fans. You'll laugh at least 10 lbs away!
Watching obsessed, momma-wannabe Tracysaurus Rex lose her mind after a life-saving hysterectomy is just the start of the good times. She waddles through the scenes with maniacal precision, crushing a baby crib, beating the cheese out of her wimpy husband, and (reluctantly) tossing a pint of chocolate ice cream at the TV showing her nemesis. All of these gross actions are done with a yeti-like power yelp that would send Xena running for the nearest cave.
Her Terminator-esquire mission is to get the revenge she deserves on the doctor that wronged her, and she'll stop at NOTHING to finish the job. Well, other than a few stops for food along the way. Her resolve knows no boundaries, nor does her "appetite" for vengeance.
A must-see for real LMN fans. You'll laugh at least 10 lbs away!
Wonderful Wicked Witch......
rbrb6 February 2003
Just shown or re-shown on cable tv here, I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful melo-drama. Deranged patient takes revenge on her doctor and the star of this film is without doubt the "wicked witch" villainess. Her performance is in the mould of Bett Davis and she has great screen presence and is a star for sure. With an excellent supporting cast the movie is hilarious yet highly watchable; why is it that the "baddies" always seem more interesting than the "goodies"? Hopefully we can at same date have a Maternal Instinct 2......with of course the same wicked witch in the lead.....!
Great Movie!
PATH3091 March 2002
I loved this movie. The actors were great. Beth Broderick is Dr. Eva Warden and she is very good at the role. Delta Burke was Tracy and she really got into the role. Garwin Sanford was great as Eva's husband. There were moments that you would wonder where something came out of such as when Eva gives birth and she gets worried about Gary( you have to see the movie) her partner pulls out a seditive like he knew that she was going to go alittle cuckoo. This is a movie that I would recommend for everyone except young children.
Nausea is the only word I can use
pseudointellectual8721 June 2004
I saw this film one night when I was sleeping during the day and was awake through the night. I think I was about 14 when I saw it and I have to say that even now, three years later when I think about it I feel completely sick. It was just completely twisted as far as I am concerned and I watch horror movies all the time with no problem.
The whole thing of this calculating character, her motives weren't set up effectively and stalking her gynecologist was just all completely wrong and you could see the contrivance behind the whole thing. I really wouldn't recommend watching this film unless you have a really strong constitution because it's completely sick and demented.
The whole thing of this calculating character, her motives weren't set up effectively and stalking her gynecologist was just all completely wrong and you could see the contrivance behind the whole thing. I really wouldn't recommend watching this film unless you have a really strong constitution because it's completely sick and demented.
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