This film is a comedic adaptation of the 2002 novel by Allison Pearson. It offers a star-studded cast with a plot that many modern women can identify with. The female protagonist of the movie is Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex and the City) a hedge-fund manager in Boston, Massachusetts. Kate is a dedicated mother to her two small children, Emily and Ben, and a devoted wife to her husband Richard (Greg Kinnear, Little Miss Sunshine). As one can imagine, this tug-o-war of priorities can be cumbersome and the film shows in hilarious detail her struggles to balance her fast-paced career with her family. Thus, the title of the book and film "I Don't Know How She Does It" is an accurate description of the general theme!
People often remark to Kate that they are not quite sure how she manages—but she certainly has help along the way. Her husband, Richard, is an architect that now stays at home with the children. So, although she is the primary breadwinner for the family, she has his support on the home front. Kate also has assistance from her best friend, Allison Henderson (Christina Hendricks, Mad Men). Allison has had her share of balancing kids and a career, so she is great for guidance.
Things get sticky when Kate scores a profitable new account that requires her to travel across the country frequently away from her family. Adding to the chaos, Kate discovers that her new business associate, Jack Abelhammer (Pierce Brosnan, James Bond) has revealed that he has romantic intentions for Kate. If all of this isn't stressful enough, Richard lands a job offer that is too good to let slip away, especially since he has been out of work for so long.
There are a couple of appearances in the film that I particularly enjoyed: Kelsey Grammer, (Frasier) plays Clark Cooper, Kate's boss. Seth Meyers from Saturday Night Live also appears in the film as Kate's sarcastic co-worker, Chris Bunce. They added some laughable moments to a plot that at times could be overwhelming.
There is, to some degree, an outdated mindset on gender roles because Kate feels like she has to do everything for her family because she is a woman. Richard sometimes shows resentment that his wife is the breadwinner, and he has to stay home with the kids. That being said, this does address the issues that many modern couples and families are struggling with.
This film is a feel-good movie for women—more specifically, working mothers. Sometimes the jokes are lost on an audience that can not to relate to the joys and trials of motherhood or the strenuous demands of the corporate world. However, anyone that has ever had to multi-task can appreciate the plot of this film. This could definitely be characterized as classic chick-flick material, but with a modern and "motherly" twist. This film is all about having your cake and eating it too!
"I Don't Know How She Does It" is rated PG-13 and is directed by Douglas McGrath. In theaters now.
