When I first saw a preview for this movie, I thought that Adam Brody (and this movie) was trying waaaay too hard to be Zach Braff. It immediately struck me as a plot that would come from my favorite Scrubs star, and I felt slightly ripped off.
But, the fact that I miss Seth Cohen AND the fact that even if it is somewhat similar to a Zach movie, that’s not such a bad thing and I’d probably end up really liking it. Adam Brody has only been in a few things that I’ve seen besides the OC (Mr & Mrs Smith, Grind) and he pretty much is always the same character/personality. With some people that bothers me, but with Adam/Seth, it’s a cute and funny character and has always been endearing. I would like to see him change it up and play something OTHER than the picked-on dork that is cool + indie underneath; and I hope that he continues to grow his career and show off his real acting skills. But until then, I’m willing to accept another Seth Cohen and that is exactly what you get in “In the Land of Women”.
The previews were a little mis-leading to me and I was delightfully surprised while watching the real plot unfold. The previews (and even the movie posters) focus on Adam Brody and his “relationship” (well, mainly just the kiss) with Kristen Stewart. I was somewhat disturbed because it was obvious that she was about… oh.. 16. And him around 30. With Meg Ryan playing her mother, I thought his would end up a little silly and creepy. But that is not the case (or the plot) at all. The movie focus’ on Carter Webb’s (Adam Brody) inability to get over a broken up romance - and his desire to take care of his old Grandmother. All the while he meets Sarah (Meg Ryan) - who is struggling with a cheating husband, a daughter that hates her and being diagnosed with breast cancer. They become friends and form a pretty strong bond. In order to not make it seem weird to her family, Sarah convinces her daughter Lucy to hang out with Carter to help him get over his lonliness and take his mind off his ex. Lucy is a very confused (normal) teenager who finds comfort in talking to Carter and starts to have a strange little crush on him.
I really don’t want to go any further and spoil it, if you haven’t seen it. But it’s a complicated situation that ends with a myriad of emotions. It’s funny (tears-running funny in some parts), healing, sad and depressing, all at the same time. At some parts I was laughing at the same time and holding back tears.
In the Land of Women quote-unquote “tanked” at the box office - and I haven’t read any real GOOD reviews on it. But I didn’t share the same feelings about it as those other critics. Maybe because I’m a chick and it’s DEF a chick flick - or maybe because I already love Adam Brody. Whatever the reason, I thought it was a really good movie and I will get it when it comes out on DVD. I think Meg Ryan did an excellent job and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it.
It was very Zach Braff-ish and perfect for me. 