Yes, No, Maybe So: I Don't Know How She Does It
Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 10:40AM 
Jose here.
In this edition of Yes, No, Maybe So we take a look at Sarah Jessica Parker's newest film: I Don't Know How She Does It. Based on the eponymous book by Allison Pearson, the film centers on the life of Kate Reddy (SJP) a working mom who earns the living in her household. Greg Kinnear plays her husband.
The book is often compared to Bridget Jones's Diary and like it, became a sensation in England. For the film adaptation, the action was moved from London to the States and as your ears will make clear, SJP has no British accent.
But anyway before we say anymore about the trailer, you have to see it first:
YES. SJP narrating while we see the city! Even for a second or two, it just makes you think about Sex and the City, no? And that is never a bad thing. However I couldn't help but wonder: will she ever fully get out of Carrie Bradshaw mode? Though I adore her and think she's seriously underrated but her roles land as different versions of Carrie: bitchy Carrie (The Family Stone), slightly sluttier Carrie (Failure to Launch), indie Carrie (Smart People); you get the point. Someone better put her in a period movie right away! Try new things, SJP>
Also...Christina Hendricks! She's in it for like a second. Will someone please give her a movie now?
NO. Pierce Brosnan doing "comedy". Last time he was funny was when he played James Bond and that's the kind of funny he should be doing.
Also, let's all agree on how much the title sucks. Right? It's such a weird thing to say, but I couldn't see myself buying a ticket for a movie with that title if it didn't star SJP. And, as someone who has to suffer through preposterous movie title translations, I'm already expecting something particularly corny for this one.
MAYBE SO. When everything pointed to yet another forgettable comedy, I realized the director is Douglas McGrath (did you notice how the actors don't even get credited in the trailer, weird huh?) McGrath has a rather slim filmography but all of his movies have had some value. He proved he has a talent for romantic comedies with the delicious Emma and the surprisingly enjoyable Nicholas Nickleby. His take on Capote (Infamous) wasn't half bad either. One can arguably say he was one of the first directors who set out to prove that Sandra Bullock could act (her Harper Lee is just as affecting as Catherine Keener's). McGrath also co-wrote Bullets on Broadway with Woody Allen. The man is talented so maybe this movie will be better than what the confusing trailer suggests.
So, are you a Yes? No? Maybe So?
Will SJP ever stop being just Carrie?
Do you like Douglas McGrath's other movies?
Are the memories of Brosnan's vocals in Mamma Mia still haunting your deepest nightmares?
Reader Comments (17)
I love Pierce Brosnan in comedy. The Matador, Mamma Mia!, Mrs. Doubtfire. Hell, I love Pierce Brosnan in anything. I'm a maybe so on that score alone, though I'll probably wait for DVD depending on the buzz.
this looks kinda terrible -- for one thing it's so self aggrandazing. a comedy all about one super woman? the title is demanding that you be in awe of her but that's like asking for people to hate her.
and i still don't understand why Hollywood doesn't understand how much people like Christina Hendricks. how is it even possible that they don't get it?
god no
Big Fat No. SJP Sarah Jurassic Park has ruined her standing as an actress in movies because of SATC. When Dolores Fuller died earlier this year -- I immediately thought of Sarah's portrayal in Ed Wood. The real Dolores hated it but I think it was more Ms. Parker's looks she couldn't get pass.
The actors are credited....
But the title alone makes me want to run away screaming. So I'm a no.
I couldn't even finish the trailer, so HELL NO!
Just NO for the movie ;) That's just a given with SJP in the starring role.
Remember in the 90's, she had that moment where was doing great films and then doing SATC was considered revolutionary because no one was doing shows on cable. Yeah...she needs that sense of direction back. But, now she's a brand so...no more Ed Woods.
This whole topic is stale and condescending—I'm tired of the media obsessing over how women "balance everything." Writers are always looking for the underside of "juggling work and family" and the reality is that millions of women do that, and it doesn't make them freaks of nature. Actresses get asked this all the time—"how do you do it?" "how do you balance?" "isn't it a struggle?" The truth is, any well-adjusted woman (and many of them are, contrary to the overwhelmed-careerwoman trope) laughs questions like that off, and notes that men are NEVER patronized for "doing it all."
Seriously, the entire premise makes me want to throw up. And seriously—the "mammogram" line?! I already have so many feminist problems with this film.
All I kept thinking during the trailer was how the meeting in a studio could have gone so that someone (the writers?) had convinced the suits this movie had an incredibly big possible target audience.
Honestly, I'd rather pay a movie ticket to see the struggles of a man 6'1 tall who has to do the ironing in tables thought and designed solely for women. I could relate with that.
SJP in a period piece? With that squeaky voice? Hehe.
Maybe...the film looks like a well-crafted studio pic...but as Bia said, SJP is a brand now...her decision to do this film has strategy written all over it...but if it's a hit, maybe we can see SJP spread her wings and do more serious fare...how bout Sarah as Lars von Trier's next muse?
Actually, I never really thought of her Meredith in The Family Stone as an extension of Carrie. And I actually like that movie, very much. If she does a period piece I have feeling it'll be irreverent anachronistic like Marie Antoinette.
Yes: For Pierce Brosnan. I actually get more interested in him, and I think his work is varied and subtle. I thought he was fascinating in The Ghost Writer. And I actually thought he was one of the better things in the horrendous Mama Mia.
No: My lip curled with scorn every time I saw the book in the bookstore. Why would it being a film make it any better? And I've had a surfeit of Greg Kinnear. If he's not going to be the killer, like in The Gift, forget it.
Maybe so: Douglas McGrath does sound pretty interesting, and I've seen and liked some of his films. But I think I'll wait for the next one.
Yes: For Pierce Brosnan. Has everyone forgotten that we first saw him playing a comedic role in Remington Steele - something that made him a star. He's an incredibly underrated actor who can play in a variety of genres, not just Bond. Plus, I like SJP, so I'll be there.
Does anyone else think SJP sounds kinda Ellen Pompeo-ish in this trailer??
This didn't look as bad as I thought it might, I won't pay to go see it, but I would watch it o TV or DVD maybe.
But i'm so freaking sick of this faux-feminsim crap in rom-coms these days. If offends me more than exploitational movies TBH. But I won't judge the movie by its trailer..
And that title is awfull, truly terrible, barf!!!
Yes to all. I can't wait for the movie. I have read the book twice and laughed my way through it both times. It's great fun and some of the situations are so true to life like the never ending mental to-do list. I think working moms everywhere will find it relatable, and appreciate the humor. As an SJP fan too, I think her casting is perfect!