In the Land of Women

Solid acting, especially from the women, and a few good Colin Farrell jokes make this familiar tale better than it probably should be.

What gives In the Land of Women its singular charm is the charismatic Adam Brody, the star of TV's "The OC."

Isn't a bad film per se--it’s just an empty film.

Despite its desperate attempts to appeal to every possible age group, there is no obvious audience for this movie.

Despite a title that makes this movie sound as though it might be the latest madcap offering from Pedro Almodóvar, In the Land of Women is a much more conventional affair – a tame yet appealing melodrama about finding one's self that is alternately formulaic and unique.

"Women" confirms that the only thing less enjoyable than enduring long, drawn-out conversations about feelings and relationships in real life is watching movies about people having long, drawn-out conversations about feelings and relationships.

Combines hugs and ''pain'' and dialogue so fakey-cute it makes your ears hurt.

Normally might have dodged a movie with a title like this, fearing it either a chick or feminist flick. Pleasingly this proved neither. Considering this is a debut feature directorial and writing effort, it's a surprisingly mature entry. For this, Jon Kasdan has created several interesting situations, peopled by an above-average cross section of characters - many of whom seem like they might owe more than a passing nod to real family life experiences. There are times, it seems, at any given moment, it could all fall apart, but Kasdan manages to maintain a strong sense of integrity. Thankfully, this isn't just another grotty entry into those trashy youth oriented shows like Porky's or American Pie. The fact that Olympia Dukakis (they don't make names like that anymore) was featured high on the cast made me even more curious to see this one. Director Jon may have received some strong guidance from his famous dad (and in this case, exec producer) or else he's a natural. He certainly gets strong assistance from his excellent cast. Adam Brody as Carter, a soft porn scriptwriter who's now looking to redeem many of his worthless life choices - turns in an extraordinarily mature performance. Given sensitive writing and direction he maintains the mature quality of his character throughout. Meg Ryan proves to be his equal in the difficult role of a neighboring mother with family problems. She’s just been diagnosed with a serious health condition, while Kristen Stewart convinces as her somewhat self absorbed daughter. The casting in this feature is spot-on. Olympia as Grandma is marvelous. Composer, Stephen Trask contributes a thoughtful score although he has to overcome yet another (now overdone) soundtrack filled with pop chart toppers added to pad out several scenes - thus making up the obligatory promo CD (although placement is handled more subtly here) Director of Photography Paul Cameron might have been a little disappointed with the treatment his lovely film imagery received at the hands of an over-the-top digital colorist - turning what should have been his 'natural' images into near 'fluoro' fantasy shots. Why do they think this is necessary? Bring back some natural color grading PLEASE!. It’s possible some younger viewers may not be mature enough to appreciate the thoughtful themes within this work, and anyone who has been drawn to it by the misleading promo advertising (IE: the trailer and posters) may be disappointed. It’s worth staying with for the genuine rewards that add up to a satisfying ending. Hollywood could do with more like this - no explosions, monsters, or over-the-top CGI, just solid storytelling. AND, End Titles large enough to be actually read!

Stay away from this movie, it is not good at all and its not often I will say that. If you are looking for a comedy don't watch it because I didn't find it funny at all I am giving it a 3 because Meg Ryan did a great job and that is it