The Mommy Market originated as a fey satirical novel by Nancy Brelis. In the film version,
Anna Chlumsky plays the oldest of three siblings who are fed up with their impossible mother (
Sissy Spacek). Through methods too complicated to go into here, the kids are able to make Mom completely disappear. They then head to the local "Mommy Market" to select a new parent. Spacek returns to play three entirely different characters, an impressive chunk of versatility indeed. Far more impressive than the film itself, which suffers from lackluster direction (by Tia Brelis, daughter of author Nancy Brelis) and a threadbare budget. Test-marketed under its original title in 1992, The Mommy Market fell flat with audiences; it was reissued with alterations as Trading Mom in 1994, only to plunge into obscurity for a second time. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide