The Omnibus

Issue date: 5/11/07 Section: Gallery

We live in a society where bigger is better, especially when it comes to movies. We want bigger budgets, bigger action sequences and bigger names in the leading roles. But, every once in a while, a great movie comes along that has none of those things. "In the Land of Women" is one of those great movies that serves as a little treasure among the big-budget, big-name directed movies.
"In the Land of Women" is a movie about the journey of a 26-year-old writer and a mother and daughter whose lives happen to intertwine for the better.
Carter Webb, played by Adam Brody ("The O.C.," "Thank You for Smoking"), is a screenplay writer who has spent his life looking for that perfect love and that perfect manuscript to write. When his famous girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves from L.A. to Michigan to write the work he's been putting off for 10 years while taking care of his grandmother, Phyllis, played by Olympia Dukakis ("Mr. Holland's Opus," "Steel Magnolias").
Meg Ryan ("Kate and Leopold," "You've Got Mail") and Kristen Stewart ("Zathura," "The Messengers") play a mother-daughter duo at odds, Sarah and Lucy Hardwicke, who live across the street from Phyllis and Carter. Sarah and Lucy think they are keeping secrets from each other, which is what keeps them at odds in resentment. But little do they know, the other knows their secrets.
Brody is phenomenal in the role of Carter. For those that see this movie, the men will want to be him, and the women will want to date him. Brody exudes passion, but he also radiates humor at the appropriate times. In this movie, he portrays the roles of caretaker, lover, best friend and big brother. No one can see this movie and not like Brody.
"In the Land of Women" is Ryan's debut playing a mother character. At first I was taken aback by the casting, but after one line of dialogue with Stewart, I knew she was perfect. When I saw her interact with Brody, I had no more doubts. Ryan plays a confused, neurotic woman so believably that any woman could relate. Nothing about her is over the top. She is just perfect.
Dukakis is a little gem scattered throughout the movie. She provides an indescribable amount of joy and entertainment through her incredible comedic ability. Without her, the movie would not be what it is.
The movie is centered on the relationships between the neighbors as well as the relationships between grandson and grandmother and mother and daughter. "In the Land of Women" is a movie about pain, healing and self-discovery.
"In the Land of Women" could definitely be described as a chick flick, but I am a firm believer that this movie will be enjoyed by all.
"In the Land of Women" is now playing at Campbell 16 in Springfield.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools