- Film Review
- Reviewed By Stella Papamichael
-
4 out of 5
Besides a taste for designer heels, Maggie (Cameron Diaz) and Rose (Toni Collette) are sisters who share little in common. It's a familiar set-up, with frumpy older sis playing mum to her footloose younger sibling - and there are no surprises in the casting - yet this offers something more than your average chick flick. Director Curtis Hanson (LA Confidential, 8 Mile) shows a surprising sensitivity to the oestrogen-fuelled conflict, nimbly balancing drama with moments of wicked humour. Collette turns in a reliably solid performance, while Diaz brings unexpected depth and warmth to a character whose transgressions include spitefully seducing her sister's boyfriend. Even so, the film belongs to Shirley MacLaine, who plays the sisters' long-lost grandmother with grit and an intriguing vulnerability. Credit should also go to screenwriter Susannah Grant for fleshing out an otherwise lightweight novel by Jennifer Weiner.
Plot Summary
Comedy drama based on the novel by Jennifer Weiner, starring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine. Against her better judgement, Philadelphia lawyer Rose lets her wayward younger sister Maggie come and stay. But after she continually abuses Rose's hospitality, Maggie is thrown out and travels to Florida to seek out their long-lost grandmother.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Maggie Feller
- Cameron Diaz
- Rose Feller
- Toni Collette
- Ella Hirsch
- Shirley MacLaine
- Simon Stein
- Mark Feuerstein
- Michael Feller
- Ken Howard
- Sydelle Feller
- Candice Azzara
- Mrs Lefkowitz
- Francine Beers
- The Professor
- Norman Lloyd
- Lewis Feldman
- Jerry Adler
- Amy
- Brooke Smith
Crew
- Director
- Curtis Hanson
- Share this episode
-