In the Land of Women

Director Jonathan Kasdan has crafted an impressive debut, said Mick LaSalle in The San Francisco Chronicle. But this 'œappealing and emotionally satisfying film' doesn't quite ring true. Kasdan perfectly pegs his intelligent protagonist, a struggling writer played with soulful confusion by Adam Brody, who finds himself romantically involved with both a suburban mother and her high school daughter. But 'œhe's really only guessing when he tries to get into the minds of the other characters.' Yet two excellent actresses give Kasdan's sketchy characters life, said Robert Butler in The Kansas City Star. Kristen Stewart makes a big impression as the high school hottie with eyes for a (slightly) older man. The true revelation, though, proves to be Meg Ryan, an 'œex'“America's Sweetheart' tackling a mature, maternal role. 'œShe lets herself look haggard here, but at the same time she's astonishingly sexy.' You understand why Brody's character throws himself at her. Ryan's so good, in fact, that Brody's performance pales in comparison, said Roger Moore in the Orlando Sentinel. 'œA dozen other actors his age could have made this funnier.' But, then, they wouldn't attract the young star's O.C.-watching fans. Brody attempts here to break away from his teen-soap past, but in truth he hasn't strayed far. Despite its pretensions, In the Land of Women is really just 'œa John Hughes movie for grown-ups.'