Parents' Guide to The Other Woman

This movie is entertaining and sometimes insightful, even empowering, especially in the way it turns the idea of two (or, in this case, multiple) women vying for one man's attentions on its head. Here, the competition is immediately neutralized in the service of sisterhood, a refreshingly different take on the usual sexist tropes. Diaz is especially appealing for her ability to be acidic and embracing at the same time. Carly could have easily become the woman most wives would want to hate, but she's isn't. That's because Diaz plays her with knowing and compassion, and the friendship that develops between Kate and Carly is a bond based on true common ground.

But is The Other Woman good? Sure, in a baby-steps kind of way. But the "girl power" aspect is diluted by stereotypical bantering between the women that seems to only cover the same old tired subjects: body image, boy trouble, and grooming. Aren't women much more complicated than that? Especially those who hold high-level legal jobs and visionaries who ostensibly have sellable business ideas? It doesn't help that Upton's character is played as a ditz. Still, this buddy comedy is an improvement on many others that have preceded it. And that's worth applauding.