I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT Movie Review
Mom needs a break in “I Don’t Know How She Does It”. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker as Kate Reddy, a very successful financial executive on the verge of making a huge step in her career. The only thing that singles Kate out is that she is the mom of two young children. When Kate’s proposal is chosen by the elusive Jack Abelhammer (Pierce Brosnan) she finds herself torn away from her family more often.
She racks up her frequent flyer miles rather quickly between her commute to and from New York. Time is whizzing by and she is missing out on holidays and events that any parent would treasure. Doing what she thinks is best for her family she is sacrificing a lot, including a bond with her husband Richard (Greg Kinnear). As the deal is close to coming to an end Kate learns what is most important in life and puts her career secondary. Given it is after a major accomplishment, it seems a little tainted.
“I Don’t Know How She Does It” is as long as the title is. There are some genuine parts that any parent would enjoy. Dealing with head lice and multi tasking. I could relate to some of the moments as a parent, where as others I found outrageous. In one instance Kate is badgering her husband about his last minute baby sitter, when they have a rather peculiar nanny on staff who seems to be oblivious to a lot of things.
Sarah Jessica Parker has once again signed on for a dull comedy. The juggling this mother does is accurate for most working mothers. I myself not being a stay at home mom felt that the stereotype given to those that are was rather insulting. I personally do not know any stay at home mom’s who spend six hours at the gym.
The chemistry forced between Bronsan and Parker’s characters could have ruined the film, but they somehow manage to salvage it. I could have also done without the direct contact monologue of Parker during pivotal scenes. The comedy was so sporadic that you waited and waited for the next laugh. The only saving grace came from Olivia Munn as Momo Hahn, Parker’s co-worker who’s idea of having a child is a mess and vows never to cross into that world. She made the film with her quirky humor.
Mom’s everywhere can relate to saving a few bucks. This is where I will help you out, skip this one. It’s not worth the quality time you could be spending with your children or the extra change in your wallet.
