The Incredible Jessica James (2017)

Scrolling through Netflix and adding movies and TV series to my watchlist is something I love doing. Putting them off is another thing I love doing. Watching them, not so much. So, if it wasn't for Brittani's review, I probably would have never checked out The Incredible Jessica James. 

The story follows Jessica James (Jessica Williams), a struggling playwright living in New York. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend of two years, Damon (Lakeith Stanfield) and just can't get over it and keeps stalking his Instagram. Essentially forced by her best friend, Tasha (Noël Wells), she goes on a blind date with Boone (Chris O'Dowd), a newly divorcé who is also obsessed in a stalker-like way with his ex (Megan Ketch). Despite both of their disinterest in a new relationship, they establish an instant bond.

Fortunately, The Incredible Jessica James avoids being a clichéd romantic comedy as the unromantic relationship between Jessica and Boone and Jessica's broken heart kind of takes a back seat and leave plenty of room to another plot to develop, the one involving Jessica's job as a teacher at a kids' theatre workshop, which is the heart and soul of the film as it's this part that captures the spirit of all those people who choose to follow their passions.

As for the character, Jessica is quite a flawed one. She is a strong-willed, independent, young woman who has pretty much nothing about her life together —and I could really sympathize and relate to her because of this. She is funny and brilliant, and the energy and passion she puts into teaching kids and helping them realize that they can do whatever they want to do with their lives is amazing. However, she often comes off as an unpleasant person, a bit of a narcissist as she considers herself to be better and smarter than everybody else. She's not so incredible when she acts like that.

Netflix

Despite the character not being always very likeable and her saying "dope" an insane amount of times, Jessica Williams gives a charming and funny performance as the lead. Despite the underdeveloped characters, the supporting cast is equally strong —Chris O'Dowd manages to shine with a warm and likeable performance, and has a pretty good on-screen chemistry with Williams; Noël Wells is delightful as Jessica's friend; and Lakeith Stanfield, although he's barely given something to do, is always a pleasure to watch.

In addition, The Incredible Jessica James does have a nice balance of humour and drama, and keeps the comedy as realistic and natural as possible and does not overdo the drama.

PODCAST 353: Pupper Master: The Littlest Reich & Critters: A New Binge

This week the Horror Crew return to their roots with a pair of new sequels of iconic old pint sized killers. Rhiannon shares her vast knowledge of the Puppet Master series as Forest reviews Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich. And Cory explains how the Critters: A New Binge was enjoyable, but a total misfire.

CONTINUE READING

25 Years in Films

Today is April 2, 2019. That means I've been alive for a quarter of a century. Wow.

Because of the awful birthday I had last year and the fact that I'm 25 and I'm nowhere near where I thought I'd be at this point in life, I decided to not celebrate it. It's not like I have things to celebrate anyway.

It didn't feel right though to act as if today was just another day because clearly, it's not (the fact that I cried for almost an hour this morning and half an hour before posting this proves it) so a couple of months ago, I decided to celebrate my 25 years by writing about my favourite movie from each year I've spent on this earth. And once again procrastination got the best of me and I almost didn't manage to rewatch all the movies. 

1994 - Pulp Fiction

My birth year was such a good year for films —and yet somehow the Academy managed to fuck up and award Forrest Gump with Best Picture, which, don't get me wrong, I liked it, a lot, but it was not as good as The Shawshank Redemption. Nor as good as Pulp Fiction, the first Quentin Tarantino movie I saw —suggested by my Italian professor—, as well as my favourite from 1994. It has everything I love about Tarantino, the compelling non-linear story, the clever dialogue, and the fantastic soundtrack.

1995 - The Usual Suspects

Yes, you read that right. A movie directed by a paedophile and starring a paedophile is one of my favourite movies. You're free to say whatever you want about them, I don't care, but you can't deny that this is an intriguing film with one of the best plot twists ever. And the funniest line-up ever. And young Benicio del Toro. Yes, I'm that shallow. 

1996 - Fargo

I'm not sure what bothers me the most, noisy eaters or people associating Fargo to FX's series —don't get me wrong, I loved the first season but did I love it as much as I love the Coen Brothers original movie? I don't, and how could I? This film has one of the most simple yet most compelling stories ever, Marge is one of the greatest female characters in film history, the dark comedy is used perfectly to lighten up the tone, and Steve Buscemi kills it.

1997 - Anastasia

While other kids were too busy fighting over who the best sidekick was—maybe I'm being a bit dramatic here—, I was giving my love to Bartok, the Albino bat who works for Rasputin. Despite my love, the bat was not the reason I watched Anastasia over and over again as a kid, and still enjoy watching it as a grown up. I simply fell in love with the story, the characters, and the romance between Anja/Anastasia and Dimitri, and, despite its many flaws, it still holds a special place in my heart.

1998 - American History X

Edward Norton with a swastika tattooed on his chest is the reason I first watched American History X. I must have been fifteen and, there's no nice way to put this, I thought Nazis did the right thing killing all those innocent people. That change Derek Vinyard experiences in prison? I had that. Just like Derek, I realised my beliefs were wrong, that people with a different skin colour or professing a different religion are not guilty of anything because of it, that they don't deserve to be disrespected, hated, hurt and killed because of it. Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time. It's just not worth it. was my conclusion too. It's a tough watch, especially that scene, but I've been rewatching it many times over the years and, the more I watch it, the more I'm grateful for discovering it. I don't even want to imagine what kind of person I would be today if I hadn't seen this film about ten years ago. 

1999 - Girl, Interrupted

Since romantic comedies and brainless action flicks were pretty much all I watched at the time, I didn't know what it meant to relate to a character. I learnt it when I watched James Mangold's film as for the first time in my life I saw on screen someone I could relate to, someone that felt about life, about the world the same way I felt. I still relate to her, and I still love this film, and I'm amazed by how diverse Mangold's filmography is. 

2000 - American Psycho

They say there's a little bit of psychopath in all of us. I think there's more than a little bit of psychopath in me otherwise how would you explain my unconditional love for this film, Patrick and the fact that I sit through most of the killings with a smile on my face? Seriously though, this is a hell of a dark comedy with a horror twist, and I will never get tired of it. 

2001 - Bridget Jones's Diary

I never cared much for Bridget Jones's Diary, in part because I'm not a fan of romantic comedies and in part because my mother hated it, but when a couple of years ago I finally decided to watch it, I found myself enjoying this corny chick flick, and absolutely loving Renée Zellweger and her clumsy, genuine and sweet Bridget Jones, and rewatch after rewatch, this became my favourite romantic comedy. 

2002 - 8 Mile

If someone asked me who my favourite singer is I'd say Eminem without hesitation as he is the only I loved as a kid and still love now. He is the reason I watched 8 Mile in the first place and, although it's not a perfect film, I still think it's a great underdog story with "nice" mother and son relationship, a great soundtrack and an underrated performance by Eminem. 

2003 - The Room

When I first watched Tommy Wiseau's film, I hated it, every single minute of it, and I felt so angry afterwards. A couple of months later, after seeing many videos on YouTube about the film, I did the unthinkable, I rewatched it and I found pretty much everything about it to be hilarious. From Johnny fucking Lisa's belly button to his outburst on the roof. Now, whenever I feel like relaxing, The Room is one of the movies I go for.

2004 - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

When I first watched this, because of the Italian title, which translates into if you leave me I will erase you, and Jim Carrey being the lead, I was expecting one of those clichéd romantic comedies everybody loves. I couldn't have been more wrong as it turned out to be such a wonderful film, one of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking films of all times. And Jim Carrey's performance is phenomenal. 

2005 - Green Street

This is a guilty pleasure of mine. I know it's not a masterpiece. It wants to be the Fight Club of football —soccer if you live on the other side of the pond— but it's not as effective. That said, I enjoy the hell out of this movie every single time. I always cry when Charlie Hunnam's character dies, and, unpopular opinion, I think Elijah Wood fits the role of the tough guy very well as the character is not strong, nor brave at all the beginning. Also, this is the film that made me sympathize for West Ham United. So there's that. 

2006 - Little Miss Sunshine

The more I watch this film, the more I love it. It's just so charming, funny and touching. It has so much heart, flawed and yet wonderful, beautiful characters and even more wonderful performances. Also, you can't beat Abigal Breslin dancing to Rick James's Super Freak.  

2007 - Hot Fuzz

Shaun of the Dead used to be my only Edgar Wright movie. Then I discovered the Cornetto trilogy —by the way, I love how native English speakers say cornetto— and it was love at first sight with Hot Fuzz. Not only it's my favourite of the trilogy, but also my favourite action flick parody. The fact that I love British humour really helps, I think. 

2008 - In Bruges

Yes, another dark comedy. This is the feature debut of a director with whom I eventually fell in love with, Martin McDonagh. Colin Farrell is mindblowing in this, Ralph Fiennes has an epic breakdown, and Bruge is gorgeous. But what I love the most about this is that not only it finds humour in dark places, but it manages to be smart and thought-provoking while doing it. 

2009 - Zombieland

When I first watched it many years ago, I did only because of Emma Stone, and I was prepared to hate it because of Jesse Eisenberg. As you probably guessed, I actually ended up loving with. And I didn't even mind Eisenberg. It's not a smart film but the great thing is that it doesn't try to be smart. It's just plain dumb but so fun, and that's the reason I love it. 

2010 - Easy A

Meredith Grey has her person, Cristina Yang. I have my movie, Easy A. When I feel sad, I watch this. When I'm tired but still feel like watching a movie, I watch this. When I want to see something light and heartwarming, I watch this. I don't care about how clichéd it is, I could watch this every single day and not get tired of it. Also, this is the movie that made me fall in love with Emma Stone.

2011 - Horrible Bosses

For once, the Italian title is way catchier than the original one —it's Come ammazzare il capo e vivere felici which translates into How to kill your boss and live happily— and it's the reason I watched this eight years ago. Needless to say, I loved the hell out of this movie. Yes, it's idiotic, vulgar and offensive. And so what? Sue me for liking it. 

2012 - Silver Linings Playbook

There was a time when I loved Jennifer Lawrence and she was the first I checked this out six years ago. But she is not the reason I've rewatched this many times over the years, the fact that it's an emotional rollercoaster ride that deals with mental illness in such an incredible way is. I hate the way the camera often lingers on Lawrence's butt —David O. Russell is a disgusting "man", after all— but I cannot help but love the film. And my heart breaks every time Pat leaves Tiffany to talk to Nikki.

2013 -  This Is the End

I know he's kind of creepy, but I love James Franco and, after loving Pineapple Express, I watched this. And it's about the greatest idiotic movie I've ever seen and I will ever see because it's really impossible to top this. I love how each actor makes fun of himself,  how ridiculous and yet memorable some scenes are. If the apocalypse ever comes, I want to be with these guys. 

2014 - What We Do in the Shadows

I had my first taste of Taika Waititi when I watched Hunt for the Wilderpeople about three years ago, but it's only after seeing that marvellous film that is Thor: Ragnarok to decide to check out the rest of his filmography. I watched this for the first time last year on Christmas and, despite the fact that I always loved vampire movies and TV series, I would have never thought I'd love something vampire-related so much. It's macabre, unique and absolutely hilarious. 

2015 - Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

We all have seen at least one of those movies where two characters fall in love, even though one is terminally ill and before he/she dies, he/she gives the surviving lover an important life lesson. This film though isn't a romance and it isn't really about cancer either. It's a beautiful, sweet and touching story of a doomed friendship that makes me laugh and cry every time I watch it. Plus, Jon Bernthal plays a hot history teacher. 

2016 - La La Land

I was never a fan of musicals and yet I was very excited to see this because it's Damien Chazelle's —I loved Whiplash. I had to wait so, so much to see this because my country never gets important movies when the rest of the world does, but the wait did pay off. This movie took my breath away from start to finish, from the wonderful opening musical number that put a huge smile on my face to the heartbreaking ending. It still does that every time I watch it. 

2017 - The Disaster Artist

This film is the reason I watched The Room the first time. No matter how much I hated Wiseau's movie, I still wanted to see this and it mainly had to do with James Franco being in it. Anyways, I adored every single moment of it, its exhilarating humour, the heartwarming friendship between Tommy and Greg, the "chase your dreams" message it delivers, and James Franco's performance —one of the greatest performances of all times, if you ask me. I can no longer even listen to "Rhythm of the Night" without picturing Franco dancing. 

2018 - A Star Is Born

I wasn't even interested in seeing this because as I said above I'm not into musicals. Also, the trailer to this looked so, so cheesy. But when I finally watched it, it broke me. I don't remember the last time I watched a film and loved it so much, and made me feel so much. I found the courage to rewatch it on Sunday and it broke me again. I cried even more than the first time and I didn't even think it was possible. 

Other People (2016)

It's Jesse Plemons's birthday today and as an appreciation, I decided to watch one of his movies. Other People was the only available on Italian Netflix and since I was yet to see it I checked it out.

The film follows David (Jesse Plemons), a young,  gay, struggling comedy writer as he moves back home to Sacramento to do something other people usually do, taking care of his mother, Joanne (Molly Shannon), who is dying from a rare cancer. Over the course of a year, he has to deal with the deterioration of his mother's health, more career setbacks and a strained relationship with his family, especially his father (Bradley Whitford) who has never accepted him being gay.

In his feature debut, Saturday Night Live writer Chris Kelly tells a thoughtful story about life and death, illness, sexuality, and family relationships in a very realistic way without it being overly dramatic. It still has some clichés of the genre, and some of the topics kind of overshadow others —the gay plot had a much bigger emotional impact on me than the cancer plot—, but the story flows well and does a wonderful job at showing how cancer affects people, both victims and their families.

The best aspect of the script is not the story though but the characters. I read someone complaining about David coming off as selfish and self-absorbed because he rarely talks/interacts with others, he's always on his own, and often complains about being stuck in the dull and lifeless city that is Sacramento. Being that sort of person myself, I guess David doesn't talk much and prefers being along because he's insecure and believes other people don't care about him, that he could or could not be there and nobody would even notice. Which is not true, of course, as I've learnt myself not long ago. Also, this is what serves to build his character and eventually deliver a meaningful grown at the end of the film. As for the Sacramento part, I guess he's just disappointed in himself because he's 30 and has accomplished absolutely nothing, he doesn't have a career, he doesn't have a significant other, and him being back home, surrounded by people who didn't need to make it in a big city to be happy and accomplished, makes him bitter. Jesse Plemons, who usually plays edgy supporting characters, has the chance to shine in this and gives a heartfelt, authentic perfomrance and does an astonishing job as portraying David's frustration, loneliness and insecurities.

Vertical Entertainment

The other major character in Other People is David's mother, Joanne. She is a lively, witty woman who is trying to hold onto her dignity and optimism during her battle with cancer. The character is not as developed as David but Molly Shannon gives with a subtle and powerful performance as she shows so much vulnerability and boldness —she does well in the comedic moments, but it's in the dramatic ones that she truly shines here. Also, the chemistry she has with Plemons is wonderful. Bradley Whitford too does a good job as David's father, a man that does not deserve our sympathy and yet, because of Whitford's performance, we cannot hate him as his kindness really shows through.

Ultimately, while it has some problems —what was even the deal with Train's Drops of Jupiter? I mean, it plays several times throughout the film but it's not clear how the song relates to any of the characters. Also, the kid dancing inappropriately was so Little Miss Sunshine —, Other People still is an effective film that touches many topics, especially cancer, without being emotionally manipulative, and that alternates pretty well moments of wry humour to serious, sad ones.

Netflix NEWS 04.02.2019

Netflix NEWS

Updates on Netflix original content releasing this week and the announcements from last week. You can always read more about what's coming out this week and in the future on our Upcoming page.
Netflix Originals Releasing This Week

El sabor de las margaritas [Margarita with a Straw] Season 1 (March 31)

Netflix Distributed Series

An Indian woman with cerebral palsy decides to study in New York, where she becomes involved in a life-changing affair with a blind female activist.

Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series Season 1 (March 31)

Netflix Distributed Series

Based on the live action mockumentary that followed a group of ex-con trailer park residents.

Ultraman Season 1 (April 1)

Netflix Animated Series

An action drama centered around a man possessing the spirit and DNA of the legendary hero "Ultraman" as he wears a metallic ultra suit and fights against evil.
Announcement 
Watch the trailer

Kevin Hart: Irresponsible (April 2)

Netflix Comedy Special

American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, originally from Philadelphia, Hart has starred in many movies and released numerous comedy specials. This is his third Netflix special.
Watch the trailer 

Suzzanna: Buried Alive (April 3)

Netflix Distributed Movie

After a pregnant woman is murdered, her spirit seeks revenge against her increasingly terrified killers, who are determined to finish her off for good.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Season 1 Part 2 (April 5)

Netflix Original Series - 10 episodes

The series re-imagines the origin and adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch as a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror, the occult, and witchcraft. In the vein of Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist, this adaptation finds Sabrina wrestling to reconcile her dual nature of half-witch, half-mortal while standing against the evil forces that threaten her, her family, and the world humans inhabit. The one-hour drama is based on the comic Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Announcement 
Kiernan Shipka to Star in Untitled Sabrina Project  
Meet Salem the Cat
Miranda Otto Cast
Surviving Exam Hell video
Opening Credits video
Part 2 teaser video
Watch the trailer

Our Planet (April 5)

Netflix Original Mini-series - 8 episodes

From the creators of Planet Earth, this series explores remote wilderness areas across the globe, from ice caps and the deep ocean to deserts and remote forests, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Watch the teaser
His Royal Highness Prince William Interviews David Attenborough video 
Watch the trailer 
Watch trailer #2 
Salma Hayek video
Birds of Paradise video

Persona Season 1 (April 5)

Netflix Distributed Series - 4 episodes

Lee Ji-eun will star in each episode of the anthology as a different persona.

Love Set depicts two ladies’ heated tennis play. In Collector, an utterly attractive young woman makes every man she dates pour their hearts out to her. Kiss Burn follows a girl’s revenge against her friend’s patriarchal father. Walking at Night uncovers a couple’s innermost feelings during their dreamlike rendezvous.
Announcement
Watch the trailer

Quicksand [Störst av Allt] Season 1 (April 5)

Netflix Swedish Language Series

Normal high school student, Maja Norberg, from Stockholm's wealthiest suburb, finds herself on trial for murder. When the events of that tragic day are revealed, so too are the private details about her relationship with Sebastian Fagerman and his dysfunctional family.
Announcement 
Watch the teaser 
Watch the trailer

Roman Empire: Caligula: The Mad King (April 5)

Netflix Distributed Series

This mixes styles of documentary and epic. The focus is the reign of Commodus, which marked the beginning of the end for Rome.

Spirit Riding Free Season 8 (April 5) - Available in the United States, Canada, Latin America, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Nordics, Benelux, France

Netflix Kids Series

Based on the animated film, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Spirit befriends a little girl named Lucky, transplanted from the city.  Lucky navigates this new world with her two new best friends, Pru and Abigail by her side. The trio embark on thrilling adventures, find genuine friendship, and discover what it means to be free!
Watch the Season 1 trailer 

Tijuana Season 1 (April 5)
Netflix Original Spanish Language Series
Set in the Mexican border town, "Tijuana" begins when a presidential front-runner is gunned down in the streets. As reporters of a local newspaper seek answers to the murder, they uncover a web of corruption that puts their lives in danger.
Co-produced by the same company that does El Chapo, production starts April 2018. Reported on June 7, 2018 that Damián Alcázar and Tamara Vallarta were cast as leads.

Unicorn Store (April 5)

Netflix Distributed Movie

Centers on a woman who moves back in with her parents, and receives an invitation to a store that will test her ideas of what it really means to grow up. Stars Brie Larson.
Watch the trailer

Netflix Trailers
The Perfect Date trailer - April 12

Quicksand Season 1 trailer - April 5

The Protector Season 2 trailer - April 26

You vs. Wild Interactive Series Season 1 trailer - April 10
Undercover Season 1 trailer -May 3
The Silence trailer - April 12
Persona Season 1 trailer - April 5
Dead to Me Season 1 trailer - May 3

Netflix Previews & Videos

Queer Eye - Dancing with the Fab Five

Strong Black Legends - Margaret Avery 

Our Planet - Ellie Goulding and Steven Price in the Studio 

Our Planet - Lana Condor & Netflix Stars React to Dancing Birds 
Stranger Things Season 3 - Trailer Theories with Priah Ferguson 
The Umbrella Academy - Behind the Scene's of Pogo's VFX 
Turn Up Charlie - Idris Elba: Set the Tone 
The Order Renewed for Season 2
Glow Season 1 - Every Takedown 
The Dirt - Pete Davidson and Machine Gun Kelly Best Friends Challenge 
The Umbrella Acadedmy - Let's Go Adventuring: Robert Sheehan 
Money Heist Season 3 Date Announcement - July 19
The Highwaymen - The Untold Story

Netflix News & Announcements

Suzzanna: Buried Alive - April 3

Roman Empire: Caligula: The Mad Emperor - April 5

Spirit Riding Free Season 8 - April 5

Tijuana Season 1 - April 5

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!: Season 6 - April 9

Mighty Little Bheem Season 1 - April 12

The Perfect Date - April 12

The Silence - April 12

Super Monsters Furever Friends - April 16

A Fortunate Man - April 19 

Brené Brown: The Call to Courage - April 19

Cuckoo Season 5 - April 19

Music Teacher - April 19 

Pinky Malinky Season 2 - April 22

Selection Day - April 22

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson Season 1 - April 23

She-Ra and The Princess of Power Season 2 - April 26

Street Food Season 1 - April 26

Yankee Season 1 - April 26

I'm Thinking of Ending Things Movie by Charlie Kaufman Official Announcement

New French Originals - Gims, Anelka, Move, Of Earth and Blood
New French Originals - Shtetl, Les Enfants du Paradis, Ulysse
Le Bazar de la Charité - Netflix Teaming with France's TF1 for Period Series
Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready - Comedy Series Hosted by Haddish Details
You Season 2 - Casting News
Mae and George Season 1 - Series Starring Mae Martin Reported
Three New Italian Series - Curon, Tre metri sopra il cielo, Fedelta
Easy Season 3 - The Last Season May 10
Thunder Force - Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy in Talks to Star
The Dragon Prince Renewed for Season 3 

Hype List

Black Mirror Season 5 (2019)
Love, Death, & Robots Season 2 (2020?)
The Witcher Season 1 (2020) 
Stranger Things Season 3 (2019 July 4)
The Umbrella Academy Season 2 (2020, projected)
Disenchanted Season 1 Part 2 (2019)
Altered Carbon Season 2 (2019, projected)
Dark Season 2 (June 2019, projected)
Bojack Horseman Season 6 (2019, projected)
Ratched Season 1 (2019)
Mindhunter Season 2 (2019, projected)

MONSTER MARCH MADNESS 2019: Round V

THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Now ONLY 2 of the biggest and baddest monsters from movie history have squared off and are ready fro battle. There can be only 1 winner, and YOU DECIDE! Round V voting will be open; APRIL 1ST to APRIL 7TH.
VOTE HERE

CONTINUE READING

The Stepford Wives (2004)

I don't know if you've noticed but I've been watching a lot of crappy movies lately because I'm too lazy to pick movies so I watch whatever trash Netflix suggests me. The Stepford Wives is one of those movies and I gave it a chance because of Nicole Kidman. 

Based on Ira Levin's novel of the same name, the story follows Joanna Eberhart (Nicole Kidman), a successful TV executive. When she is fired and has a nervous breakdown, her husband, Walter (Matthew Broderick), decides to move the whole family from Manhattan to a community in Stepford, Connecticut. There's something weird going on though as their female neighbours are a bit too perfect and the men just seem to sit around in the men's club all day. 

The problem with The Stepford Wives is that the writer had no idea what he was doing. As a result, the plot doesn't make a lot of sense —if the chip is implanted in the original, what's the point of a body double?—, the twist is given away almost immediately, and the ending which was changed to please the audience couldn't be any more unsatisfying —that final twist is quite surprising though because of the direction the story was going up to that point. It's also rather confusing as one moment it says men are evil and the next one it says that women are just as evil, if not even worse. That being said, I still found the story enjoyable enough to keep watching. 

Just like the plot, the characters too are flawed. Actually, they are quite the mess as they lack characterization, backstories, and development. They don't even have a reason to act the way the act. And some characters you cannot help but hate, like Joanna's husband —and I'm still trying to figure out whether he's beyond dumb or just a man. Others, you don't know whether to laugh about or feel sorry for. 

ParamountPictures

Surprisingly, considering the lacklustre script, the cast does a pretty good job. Nicole Kidman is very good as Joanna and really makes you root for her. Glenn Close is brilliant as Claire Wellington, the head matron. Bette Midler is fine as Bobbie Markowitz, a writer who befriends Joanna. And Christopher Walken makes up for the horrible performance by Matthew Broderick. 

Ultimately, The Stepford Wives is not a great film as the tone is often too light for the material and the message changes throughout the film. However, it's an enjoyable flick that will make you have a few good laughs.