Movie Review: The Other Woman
First, let’s get something straight. If you choose to see a movie called The Other Woman, you should go into it understanding what it’s about – yes, the dreaded “other woman.” Ladies and gentlemen, you’re going to see a film that flaunts the raw force of a group of women suckered by the same damn guy. You’ll be celebrating the spirit of sisterhood. But you shouldn’t expect a sincerely feminist cinematic masterpiece. This isn’t that movie. Rather, the unpretentious hilarity Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann ooze throughout the film showcase an undeniable charisma that will leave you entertained.
In this case, the (first) other woman is Carly Whitten (played by Cameron Diaz). Your stereotypical bad girl with a heart of steel, Carly is a wildly successful lawyer strutting around in sleek black suits and slicked black hair. But the wife, Kate King (Leslie Mann), is the one we gravitate toward. Stepford and earnest, Kate, in her floral frocks and coordinated cardigans, is painted as pleasant and agreeable. When Carly finds out her charming boyfriend Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is married, she drops him on the spot and refuses to return his unrelenting phone calls. But when Kate, Mark’s wife, discovers Carly’s identity, she insists upon them forging a friendship over the scumbag infidelity. Many martinis and a purse-full of puke later, the ladies decide to take vengeance – and a raucous chick flick ensues.
Plainly put, The Other Woman is a blast to watch. The soundtrack is spot-on, too. It’s marketed as a chick flick, but men will be cracking up for over an hour, too. It’s labeled a rom-com, but I disagree. There’s much more comedy than romance in this one. That said…. Like sex? See it. Like hot guys? See it. Like hot girls? See it. Ever been deceived? See it. Chuckle over physical comedy? See it. Appreciate fashion? See it. Think poop is funny? See it. Like a good ol’ prank? See it. Want to see Kate Upton do the cat daddy in a mini-dress? See it.
When Carly and Kate, playing a ragtag team of slapstick spies, discover Mark’s other mistress, Amber (Kate Upton), predictably bouncing on the beach in a bikini, the trio form a pact that promises that Mark be taken down once and for all. With the help of Kate’s sexy brother, Phil (Taylor Kinney) and Carly’s secretary, Lydia (Nicki Minaj), the threesome works to not only retaliate, but take Mark for everything he’s got.
Sure, there’s an element of cheese in this movie. Sure, there are some cliché bits. But, what else do you expect? Isn’t that what we go for, something comic and cozy? Some predictability mixed with sass? Some Kate King slapstick that makes you fall in love with Leslie Mann a little bit more (if that is even possible)? She steals the show, quite honestly. Cameron Diaz turns out to be a very capable sidekick. It’s so hard not to laugh seeing the two of them breezily playing off of one another. It’s also fun to watch Coster-Waldau play a downright scummy, silly character; it’s not what we’re used to from him.
Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Kate Upton in “The Other Woman.” Photo by Barry Wetcher – © 2013 – Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Nicki Minaj might just have more screen-time than Kate Upton, which I was glad for, despite the fact that Upton’s face is on the billboards. Minaj is a gem on the big screen. Upton can hang, surely, though it’s unsurprising that she was directed to play the ditzy blonde who can’t figure out how to hold the binoculars. Phil (Taylor Kinney) might have had more to offer than his blue eyes if given the chance. And Carly’s Dad, Frank (Don Johnson) is a fun addition, though unnecessary.
I recommend The Other Woman. It’s a fun ride if you’ll allow yourself to enjoy it. You may just leave the theater ready to shave your legs, do a couple shots, and braid each other’s hair.
Mandi Ruffner
