Saturday, October 29, 2011

I don't know how she does it

CAST: Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Munn, Seth Meyers, Kelsey Grammer, Christina Hendricks, Jane Curtin;DIRECTOR:Douglas McGrath;Writer:Aline Brosh McKenna;GENRE:Comedy;RUNNING TIME: 95 minutes

Moral assessment: 3.5
Technical assessment: 3
Rating: Viewers age 13 and below with parental guidance


Kate is a successful finance executive who haggles time between career and family and survives it to the amazement of people around her. A partnership with New York based businessman Jack makes her career shines even more and signals no stopping for her. But the job that requires her to do quick frequent travels always compromises her promises to her children particularly with her seven year old daughter. Good for her that her understanding husband Richard is always at a rescue to make up for her. How long can this set-up work?

A novel adaptation, 'I Don't Know How She Does It' offers an unconventional story of a woman who is constantly in cramming mode but well-loved by family and admired by colleagues. The character of Jack is a big twist in a rather predictable story. It adds spice when viewers wonder whether the business partnership will mutually go beyond. The interview and narration inserts help in understanding the characters. At some point the editing struggles to establish the with of settings in Boston and in New York. But acting is good and so are the musical scoring. The film has good cinematography and compositions. 

The reason why Kate can do things in her plate is because she is a woman who is typically dedicated to her family and providing for them. But most of all she has supportive people around her. It appears that everybody loves her except herself. The tolerance of the husband is commendable. Burn out is a tendency for very busy people. The family is a blessing and therefore should not be a source of setback rather an inspiration for a person to move forward. At the time of confusion, the support of the family is important.