REVIEW: Just another plotless comedy
I am not a fan of Sarah Jessica Parker movies. I have nothing against her as a person, but she just doesn’t do it for me. Her films are usually bland chick flicks with no real meaning or eye-catching concept. “I Don’t Know How She Does It” falls right into that very category I try to avoid.
Kate Reddy (Parker) is a full-time mother and wife. She also just happens to be a full-time account executive. “I Don’t Know How She Does It” is a light-hearted comedy based on Kate’s life and how, exactly, she manages to juggle everything. While taking care of two young children, Kate travels around the nation to busy cities for meetings and presentations. She strives to be perfect at both home and work life, saying “yes” to everything. This causes her to be pulled in two separate directions. Family, friends and co-workers constantly say, “I don’t know how you do it.”
She loves her job, but frequent flyer miles do not make up for missing her son’s first haircut or her family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Equipped with briefcases, stained shirts and lice, Kate realizes she cannot enjoy both work and home life, equally. She stands up to her boss, leaves work early and makes a snowman. The end. I literally got home from the movie and could not remember anything that important in this movie — or even a climax — at all. Sadly, this Sarah Jessica Parker movie is one giant plateau of scenes.
Honestly, the best part about this movie had nothing to do with the plot. The one-liners of Seth Meyers’ character, Chris Bunce, and Olivia Munn’s character, Momo Hahn, were hilarious. They were sarcastic, witty, nonchalant and unexpected — just my kind of humor.
The acting was fine. The story was fine. The movie as a whole was just fine, but that is the problem. Nothing about “I Don’t Know How She Does It” was memorable. I left the theater shrugging my shoulders and only half satisfied. I did not want more. I would not recommend this movie to anyone except my mom. And maybe that’s just it, I do not appreciate the plot, because I cannot relate.
Despite the fact that I do not like the roles or projects she is cast in, Parker portrayed a hectic mother and executive, accurately. She stayed true to her character and was even funny at parts. Unfortunately, she will only ever be a personality actor. She probably will never play roles outside of her comfort zone or beyond her own lifestyle. That also goes for Greg Kinnear, who played Kate’s husband Richard — he just plays himself.
Dear Pierce Brosnan, please stop acting and retire. It seems that after James Bond, his career went down hill. Remember “Mama Mia”? Boy, was that a disaster on his part. I think Brosnan continues to find work because he is good looking — for an old guy — and has an accent. Americans love accents. Maybe he should do radio.
On the other hand, the two younglings playing Kate’s children were impeccable, but their job is easy. They just get to sit there and look cute.
“I Don’t Know How She Does It” is a family friendly film that did have its moments of warm, fuzzy feelings. If you think loud action and impressive graphics are overrated, and you are a mother, this movie is perfect for you. If you are anything like me, “I Don’t Know How She Does It” makes some really good background noise.
– Anike Pullens is a senior majoring in public relations and minoring in theater and speech. Her reviews run every other Friday. She enjoys every genre of movies any day of the week, of any genre. Contact her at anike.pullens@aggiemail.usu.edu