Sitcom style makes this film forgettable

  • By Robert Horton / Herald Movie Critic
  • Thursday, April 19, 2007 9:00pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

A pair of directing brothers hit theaters this weekend. The Kasdan boys, sons of Hollywood director Lawrence Kasdan, both have features in release: Jake’s “The TV Set” (Page 11) and Jonathan’s “In the Land of Women.”

It’s just an accident of scheduling, but one can’t help compare the siblings. “The TV Set” is a funny film from a Hollywood insider, while “In the Land of Women,” well, looks like the kind of thing made by somebody with a famous last name.

Although it offers a few good one-liners, “In the Land of Women” feels like a warmed-over update of “Garden State.” This is the land of Carter Webb (Adam Brody), who gets dumped by his girlfriend in the opening scene.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Retreating to his grandmother’s house in suburban Michigan, Carter plans to get some real writing done (right now he’s penning soft-core porn screenplays). But distractions await.

First off, grandma (Olympia Dukakis) is a bit dotty. Then there’s the attractive high-school girl (Kristen Stewart) and her equally attractive mom (Meg Ryan) in the house across the street. Both take a shine to Carter.

If the outline of “The Graduate” seems to be looming somewhere behind this set-up, don’t worry- this movie doesn’t have the nerve to go there. Carter might flirt with both women, and dole out sensitive hugs, but nothing here cuts deeper than a heartwarming TV commercial.

At first – especially in an expertly played breakup scene – it looks as though the casting of Adam Brody might make the movie watchable. Brody, the rising star from “The O.C.”, has his first leading movie role here, and his combination of sarcasm and sincerity is promising.

Kristen Stewart, lately memorable in “Zathura,” is also fine. But the script quickly bogs down in bland observations, and the film is cut together like a coming-attractions trailer for a heart-tugging Lifetime movie-of-the-week.

Meg Ryan, recently a rare presence in movies, is looking increasingly like Melanie Griffith these days. Ryan has always been more interesting than her cutie-pie image, but this is not the movie to change that image. This is a movie to forget.

Kristen Stewart, Adam Brody and Makenzie Vega in “In the Land of Women.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Steven M. Falk / The Philadelphia Inquirer / Tribune News Service
James Taylor plays Sunday and Monday at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
A&E Calendar for May 22

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Former Herald writer Melissa Slager’s new book was 14-year project

The 520-page historical novel “Contests of Strength” covers the 1700 earthquake and tsunami on Makah lands.

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV, shown here in the European version (Provided by Mercedes-Benz).
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV has a 54-mile range

The plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV goes a class-leading distance in full electric mode.

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Provides 39 MPG And 566-Mile Range

Versatile And Functional Compact SUV A Family Pleaser

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.