"I Don't Know How She Does It" is the story of Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker [SJP]), based on the novel by Allison Pearson. Kate Reddy: wife, mom of two, succcessful hedge fund broker, charmer of millions, and one. hot. mess. Oh yes, she may seem like she has it all, can do it all, but honestly, she's barely able to keep it together forgetting important appointments with her children, work, and forgetting to brush her hair. The opening scene with the bake sale pie pretty much sums up the entire movie: crumbled and junky. 

Kate is married to wonderful Richard, played by the equally wonderful Greg Kinnear, who is not only her rock and voice of reason, but just about the only thing keeping the family together. They are parents to Emily, 6, and Sam, 2, who love their mother dearly and cherish every second they can spend with her. That is, when she's not travelling for work, working at home, or tending to some school project. Emily has learned to be resentful of her mother's crazy schedule in her short six years, and Sam has barely learned to speak, but their nanny is great and knows exactly what blankie Sam likes or what food Emily wants as a snack. Enter Jack Abelhammer (Brosnan) who has just accepted Kate's financial proposal for a huge project, and well, let's just say, things don't get any easier for those involved. Can Kate keep up the balancing act?

How does SJP manage to land leading lady roles? I went in wanting to hate this movie purely based on the fact that Sarah Jessica Parker is the leading lady. I was only half right. Gone are the days of "Square Pegs" and "Footloose" when she was correctly cast as the cutesy background supporting character. She is not only not convincing as the "do everything mom," but failed as even being an equal counterpart to Kinnear's Richard. She repeatedly took a role that was supposed to celebrate strength and confidence and reduce it to a shrilly school girl. For example, after putting her foot down to her boss (Kelsey Grammer) and winning her argument, she responds with "Really?!?" and proceeds to cheer and run out of the room. Not confident. Not even cute, and also, not anyone I would like to know.

Ok, SJP was pretty awful, but it's the supporting cast that dances circles around her and is worth the price of admission for a matinee or $1 show. Pierce Brosnan. How can you possibly go wrong with casting Pierce Brosnan in a movie? This man can become any role he is given and even when it's as shallow as Jack Abelhammer, can be damn charming and makes you wish that you knew anything about investment funds.

Olivia Munn, I am actually embarrassed that I didn't know who she was ("Attack of the Show" on G4), but in a way that's a good thing. She completely knocked my socks off with her no nonsense portrayal of career-driven assistant, Momo, to Parker's hot mess of a do-it-all mom. With perfect comedic timing and deadpan delivery, Munn just about stole this entire movie from SJP's aging socks.

Kate's best friend, portrayed by Christina Hendricks ("Mad Men") and nemesis mom, Busy Phillips ("Cougar Town") were sorely underused, but their combined screen time was priceless as they managed to convince us that Kate was indeed, the best person on the planet. And they both shined brightly. Greg Kinnear is as solid as always and actually convinced me that he wanted to be with SJP's Kate, so, kudos to you, Greg. Kudos. Also, in a not to be missed role is Jane Curtin ("Kate and Allie," "Third Rock from the Sun"), as Richard's mother, who is just perfect as the sour mother-in-law that is just waiting for her daughter in law to fail miserably and catch her doing it.

Do not go into this film with high expectations. If you like predictable plots or getting embarrased for the main character, then by all means, go with a clear conscience and buy that ticket knowing full well that you will not be disappointed. But, if you are like me and like a little more effort put into your movies, then you might be better off re-watching something at home. Just saying.