Sure it’s a chick flick but that’s not the issue here…
How can a very funny and well-acted tale of double—no make that triple adultery—deteriorate into just another goofy, humdrum, predictable revenge comedy?
It boggles the mind.
THE OTHER WOMAN doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s well enough written and executed to often make one laugh out loud. In the FIRST HALF of the film, that is.
The concept is a simple one.
Attorney babe Cameron Diaz discovers that her slick boyfriend (‘Game of Thrones’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is married. But Diaz recovers from the shock and tries desperately to get her life back on track only to accidentally meet the wife he’s been cheating on.
She’s Leslie Mann who through a series of some very funny encounters and crisp dialogue becomes Diaz’ new best friend of sorts.
It goes deeper.
Yet another affair pops up in which the two cheated on women flush out super model Kate Upton. Fast forward as the three dark forces combine to get sweet revenge on their cheating romeo…or as the soundtrack suggests: “The lawyer, the wife and the boobs together.”
Well, let’s just say he never knew what hit him.
So what’s my beef?
After a smart and often very funny kickoff to the proceedings the movie grinds down into an overlong, predictable series of dirty tricks as the ladies attempt to get even.
Leslie Mann (a.k.a. Mrs. Judd Apatow) absolutely steals the film.
Cameron Diaz also does well. But Kate Upton? Let’s just say they didn’t cast her for her acting chops—and I’m being kind.
THE OTHER WOMAN in many ways feels like your watching another BRIDESMAIDS. Trouble is, they couldn’t keep up the hilarity. About half way into the film’s (overly long) 1 hour and 50 minute running time, things just seem to get wackier by the scene. And downright stupid at times.
Another problem seems to be the picture’s PG-13 rating.
Many-a-scene borders an R rating, but unlike with BRIDESMAIDS, one feels that the studio here had those over the top funny bits cut to stay PG-13.
They should’ve made it—or dare I suggest—KEPT it an R
So how do I rate THE OTHER WOMAN?
I’m handing a B to the first half and a C- in its second act.
When it’s all said and done, how about a C+ for this romantic revenge comedy that could’ve and SHOULD’VE been so much more fun.
(Reviewed at Alamo Drafthouse theater)
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How about a double ‘D’ in this case jacky?
Virtually ALL big-screen comedies fizzle out at some point. There should be a loud-fast Hollywood rule that they never exceed 90 minutes. Are you listening, Judd Apatow?
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Man, Justin Verlander is one lucky sumbitch.