Nicole Holofcener’s third film
is, like the others, chatty, personal, and intimate. Like her second one, Lovely
and Amazing, it’s an ensemble piece. Catherine Keener (also seen in both of
Holofcener’s earlier films), Frances McDormand, and Joan Cusack are the female
friends, while Jennifer Aniston, once a Friend, is the friend without
money, and the only single one. (The husbands also have significant roles, but
are played by less-familiar names.) Having well-known actresses in the leads
helps differentiate the characters, but mostly it’s the writing. The plots
revolve around mundane activities like building an addition to the house,
arguing over a parking space, and so forth. Far from being dull, the
familiarity of these characters makes the movie compelling, as does a
surprising amount of humor. Holofcener manages to portray women without group
hugs, clothes-changing montages, and other things that get movies tagged with
the derisive “chick flick” label.
posted 9/4/13
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