The Women shows the undermining effects of gossip mongering, but it is also a celebration of female camaraderie and ultimately the positive power of love. True to the first film and the play, there are no males anywhere to be seen.
It’s a strong cast, with Meg Ryan very appealing as Mary and Debra Messing a delight as Edie, her friend with a penchant for children. Bette Midler is a scene-stealer in a cameo as a crusty Hollywood agent on her fifth divorce, and Annette Bening is smoothly stylish as the career minded Sylvia, wedded to her Blackberry, although the movie might have been better if she had been able to match the sheer freewheeling bitchiness that Rosalind Russell brought to the role 69 years ago. Carrie Fisher, Cloris Leachman and Jada Pinkett Smith also show out.
The script has many funny lines, and when the final credits finish rolling the leading actresses briefly contribute their thoughts on what it means to be a woman – an unusual touch. – Jim Murphy, Australian Catholic Office for Film and Broadcasting
http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=9636
