Someone Like You

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: March 30, 2001

DVD Release Date: September 21, 2001

Plot 411: After being dumped, Jane devises a theory about men that becomes a nationwide phenomenon.

Review: When Jane (Ashley Judd) meets Ray (Greg Kinnear), she thinks she's met the perfect man, and things are perfect for a while. But when he dumps her, she becomes obsessed with finding the reason behind why men act the way they do. As she researches and develops a theory, she is forced to live with her chauvinistic co-worker Eddie (Hugh Jackman) or else face homelessness. This is one of my favorite Ashley Judd movies because she plays this neurotic character so perfectly. Jane's obviously high-strung and nuts, but she's also so lovable and very relatable. She's searching for something every girl has wondered at one time or another. She's dealing with her heartbreak in a scientific way in order to distance herself from the pain. Who has never done that themselves? Kinnear is cast perfectly as Ray - the incredibly good-looking guy that's too good to be true (and is). There's just something about him that calls out "cheater" and "liar," yet you're still drawn to him. Jackman being cast as the regular guy is the most ludicrous thing ever and can only be done in Hollywood. Even at this early stage in his career, you can tell he's got star potential. Also in this film are Marisa Tomei and Ellen Barkin.

Watch It: For one of the more fascinating theories on men ever put into film.

Skip It: Because at the end of the day, the movie is like all other rom coms and completely formulaic.

Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 7, 2002

DVD Release Date: November 5, 2002

Plot 411: Like mother, like daughter.

Review: I really enjoyed the spunky nature of this film and related with Sidda (Sandra Bullock) a lot. I'm not sure what that says about me or my relationship with my mom but let's not dwell on that. After reading Sidda's interview that mentioned a bad childhood, Sidda's mom Vivi (Ellen Burstyn) is so upset that she disowns her. In her own dramatic fashion, Vivi throws a tantrum that Sidda reciprocates because she is completely frustrated by her mother's behavior over the years. In an attempt to reconcile mother and daughter and because they belong to the age-old sisterhood of the Ya-Yas, Vivi's friends Teensy (Fionnula Flanagan), Necie (Shirley Knight) and Caro (Maggie Smith) kidnap Sidda from New York and bring her home. The three women will not let another sister down and hope they can explain to Sidda why her mother acts the way she does. Through flashbacks, we are treated to the childhood, teen years and young adult lives of the Ya-Yas. Ashley Judd plays a young Vivi. Despite all the harping and irrational behavior by Vivi and Sidda, this movie is somehow endearing. The characters have their flaws, but that's what makes them realistic and dare I say lovable? I've noticed that a lot of films set in the south portray very strong female characters, such as Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias. This one is no different.

Watch It: If you're a girl who thinks that you'll never, ever, ever end up like your mother.

Skip It: If you're that girl's boyfriend/husband as you know the above is an outright lie.