In the Land of Women is a surprisingly very emotional film. Advertised as a sort of romantic comedy it is actually a somber and touching, character driven, and coming of age tale from director Jonathan Kasdan. Adam Brody (The OC) plays Seth Cohen a soft-core porn writer from LA who has just been dumped by his beautiful but shallow actress girlfriend Sophia. Desperately trying to find meaning in his life he decides to pack up and head to a Detroit suburb to stay with his senile grandmother Phyllis (Olympia Dukakis), in an attempt to help her out and also to gain some perspective on his life. Seth begins to write a screenplay he has been trying to pen for years, come to terms with his breakup all while trying to make any sense of his grandmothers incoherent ramblings and making some very confusing yet inspiring friendships with his neighbors next door, Sarah (Meg Ryan), Lucy (Kristen Stewart) and Paige (Makenzie Vega). While the film at times seems a little off balance trying desperately to take hold of something it can’t seem to find, the relationships are meaningful and poetic, written eloquently and always leaving you with a sense of understanding and wonderment. Adam Brody’s performance is charming and quirky, Meg Ryan is at her very best and Kristen Stewart adds heart-wrenching depth to her character. If you love character and relationship studies this movie is for you, it offers deep, thoughtful dialog and is emotionally riveting.
(Warner Bros)
Starring: Adam Brody, Meg Ryan, Kristen Stewart, Olympia Dukakas and Makenzie Vega
