The Other Woman: A Comedy of Errors?
The premise is simple: Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), a charming rogue, weaves a tale of a burst pipe to his lawyer girlfriend, Carly (Cameron Diaz), as an excuse to rush off to Connecticut. Carly, sensing something amiss, discovers the truth – Mark is married to Kate (Leslie Mann), a somewhat neglected housewife. After learning about her husband’s infidelity from Carly, Kate latches onto her as a friend, seeking solace. Soon, they uncover that Mark isn’t just juggling two women; there’s a third, the young and voluptuous Amber (Kate Upton).
It’s baffling why director Nick Cassavetes, known for intense dramas and thrillers, was chosen to helm the eccentric comedy “The Other Woman.” Despite his extensive filmography, lighthearted comedy isn’t his forte. Yet, he was entrusted with a substantial budget and a cast including Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Kate Upton to create a “chick flick” about female friendship and revenge.
A Tale of Two Halves
Cassavetes initially delivers a relatable and amusing story of two unlikely friends. However, the film falters in its second half when it transitions to comedic antics. The friends’ actions become illogical and unfunny, culminating in a bizarre, bloody finale. It’s hard to imagine anyone finding humor in Coster-Waldau’s bloodied state. Cassavetes seems unsure of his target audience, haphazardly mixing “fluffy” girl talk with vulgar jokes, slapstick with dark humor, and toilet humor with half-hearted parody.
Diaz and Mann Shine
The first hour of “The Other Woman” is watchable, largely due to the dynamic between Diaz and Mann. Diaz excels as the self-absorbed career woman, while Mann is brilliant as the insecure and clingy housewife. Mann’s performance is particularly impressive when compared to her roles in her husband Judd Apatow’s films, “Knocked Up” and “This Is 40.”
Missed Opportunities
Kate Upton’s arrival marks a turning point for the worse, though she’s blameless. Her acting skills are secondary to her visual appeal. The film would have benefited from focusing on the burgeoning friendship between Carly and Kate, perhaps with Upton in a bikini in slow motion.