The Other Woman Movie Review

Rushed into release seemingly out of nowhere, and exploiting Natalie Portman’s Black Swan Oscar spotlight right now, The Other Woman is more in tune with IFC’s typical small screen lineup, and should have been relegated there. A sympathetic marital infidelity weepie whose justification rests on spurned spouse Lisa Kudrow’s dragon lady shoulders, natch, The Other Woman is the sort of manipulative sudsy blue plate where viewers making up their own minds is the least likely item on the menu.

Portman continues to venture into provocatively playing against gender stereotypes, following her intimacy-allergic sex addict venture just last week in No Strings Attached. She’s Emilia, a Harvard Law School grad with a lot more on her mind than depositions. Landing her first job at a Big Apple firm, Emilia has the irrepressible hots for her married boss, Jack (Scott Cohen).

Mutually flirtatious eye balling soon escalates into a torrid secret affair, but Jack is just not into commitment despite Emilia’s evidently whiny neediness. Wife Carolyn (Lisa Kudrow) is not the problem because she’s shrewish and bossy, how handy. It’s his guilty feelings of responsibility as a dad, with his vulnerable young son William (Charlie Tahan) back home.

But when Emilia suddenly announces her pregnancy, Jack bolts from his marriage in a flash, in no small part eased plot-wise by the conveniently caustic personality of his careerist, too busy for motherhood anyway gynecologist wife. Emilia, on the other hand, is dripping with maternal instinct and has domestic drudge written all over her. Even to the extent that the pregnant newlywed embraces her additional role as stepmom, in spite of the problem child being relentlessly beyond bratty. And to such an extreme that – the very opposite of her workaholic obsessed Black Swan however depraved – there’s not a single interlude conveying any sense whatsoever that this born to be a stay-at-home babe is actually a lawyer.

But unlike her No String Attached med student sexaholic, Portman’s stint here as subservient seductress has nothing to do with libido. Rather, an extra-judicial Exhibit A pop psychology rap sheet she’s stuck with, as a get even, extramarital-minded daughter of a dad who had abandoned her in childhood for a secretary and Russian stripper as well.

Directed by Don Roos (The Opposite Of Sex, Single White Female) and based on the Ayelet Waldman bestseller, Love And Other Possible Pursuits, the movie does have one memorable line. As Emilia perpetually pouts and sulks while consigned to the dismal role of that other woman, a girlfriend scolds her tendency to sound like she’s competing in the ‘Cliche Olympics.’

IFC Films Rated R 2 stars

Hot this week

Did David Wineland and Serge Haroche Steal Idea For The Nobel Physics Prize?

Dr. Omerbashich says the Royal Swedish Academy is a Crime Scene and he has the proof that Nobel laureates stole his discovery.

New Approaches to Disaster Relief Challenges

Disaster relief has always been a challenge. NASA, Google,...

3 Legitimate Money Making Methods to Supplement Your Income

In a perfect world, when your landlord raises your...

2016 Predictions by World Renowned Medium and Psychic Lindy Baker

World renowned medium and psychic Lindy Baker is interviewed by The Hollywood Sentinel, discussing psychic power, the spirit world, life after death, areas of concern in 2016, and much more.

Digital Coupon Customers Spending More Than Double At Stores

A new study shows that customers who use digital coupons go shopping more for groceries and other household goods more often and spend more on their shopping trips.

This History of Hamas: Key Events Explored

As we explore the origins of this organization, a complex picture emerges, leading us to one question: what sparked...

What Is Black History Month: Understanding Its Importance

Explore the fascinating origins of Black History Month. What sparked Carter G. Woodson's vision to educate future generations about this history? Discover more...

The Rise of Professional Content Libraries: How Curated Videos Are Shaping Online Engagement

Audiences today crave high-quality, engaging content that is relevant...

Covert Censorship Exposed: US Funneled $472.6M to Media Control NGO, Says Wikileaks

Wikileaks exposed that the United States allegedly funneled $472.6 million through Internews Network, a global media non-governmental organization (NGO) suspected of advancing covert censorship and media control.

Proper Lawyer Tips and Legalities to Know About Within the Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry is one of the most highly...

The 2-State-Solution: Dead and Cannot Be Revived

Danny Burmawi (@dannyburmawi) is a Jordanian; CEO of Project...

Glazed Skylight: A Stylish and Functional Roofing Solution

Today, glazed skylights are a common feature in residences across Australia, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.

How to Keep Cockroaches Out of Homes This Summer

As summer temperatures rise, household pests become a growing concern. Warmer weather and humidity create ideal breeding conditions for cockroaches, making them one of the most common infestations in homes and offices.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img