USA Release: 20th April 2007
Watched on DVD: Monday 3rd September2012
Rating: 15
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Runtime: 1hr 37mins
Tagline: Get ready to fall
IMDb Plot Synopsis: L.A. soft-porn writer Carter Webb is frustrated enough after his actress girlfriend dumps him to need a serious break. He decides to spend it with his grandmother, who can't really take care of herself and her Detroit suburb house anyway. Helpful Carter soon overcomes mishaps to bond with her foxy neighbor across the street and her brat daughter. Helping them actually helps him regain perspective and self-confidence.
My Review: I managed to pick this up off of eBay for the absolute bargain price of £2 and little did I know how much of a bargain it would be as this film is an unknown little gem that so many more people should know about (and is also hard to get a hold of!). It stars some of my favourite actors, most intriguingly Adam Brody who I adored in The OC. It was my curiousity to see him in a new and interesting role that sparked me to purchase the DVD and I’m so glad I did as it was so much more than just a good rom com. Yes, it was funny and has romantic elements to it but it’s far more interesting than that. Brody steals every scene he is in with his adorable geeky charm and the scenes between Meg Ryan and him were so tender and sweet and genuine they made the film for me. It was so heart-warming and raw and didn’t drag at all - I didn’t want it to end! Kristen Stewart was also half decent although the chemistry between her and Brody was a little awkward at times. But it wasn’t about that. It was about Brody’s character and his effect on those around him and I fell in love with it. And I’m sure you would too.
Score: 9/10
I enjoyed your review Sarah, although I look at In the Land of Women through the eyes of a Meg Ryan fan rather than an Adam Brody fan.
ReplyDeleteJames Agee once wrote about Bing Crosby that seeing Bing walk across the screen was a wonderful thing to do -- to just watch him.
I feel that way about Meg Ryan.
It had been four years since I had seen her in a film but watching her in "In the Land of Women" she walked across the screen more than a few times. It was enough.
This film was an unexpected surprise and also a tribute and a welcoming back to Meg Ryan.
I still wish she’d makes two films a year for the rest of her life!