Story
Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker) is a happily married mother of two beautiful children. She also has a successful career as a finance manager. Kate feels she has it all and can be it all, despite her husband, daughter and colleague being less confident about her ability to get the work-life balance right. Her daughter, Emily (Emma Rayne Lyle), struggles with her mother’s constant trips away. Her coworker Momo (Olivia Munn) cringes at Kate’s haphazard appearance. And her husband, Richard (Greg Kinnear), just wishes he could spend more time with his wife.When Kate scores an important account at work, she’s forced to increase her trips away from the family she adores. She must also work closely with the handsome Jack Abelhammer (Pierce Brosnan). Kate’s life begins to unravel with the new role and the additional responsibilities both she and Richard take on to make things run smoothly at home and at work.Just as things reach boiling point, Kate makes a career decision that has an impact on everyone around her.
Themes
Mother and children separated for long periods because of work commitments; family stress; potential infidelity
Violence
None of concern
Sexual references
This movie has some sexual references. For example, Kate says in an email that she has to ‘blow someone’ (meaning that she needs to impress someone to get an account).
There are also sexual innuendoes, such as ‘please enter me’.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
This movie shows some use of substances. For example, adult characters drink socially.
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie has some nudity and sexual activity. For example, in one scene Kate and Richard try to have sex, but Kate falls asleep. Another scene features a pole dancer in a club with men watching. Only the dancer’s feet are seen.
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in this movie: LG, Chips Ahoy, Pellegrino, Pret-a-Manger, Lays, Perrier, Apple computers, Delta flights and Budweiser.
Coarse language
This movie has some coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
I Don’t Know How She Does It is the story of a working mother who tries to do it all, but fails.
The main messages from this movie are about being committed to your family and working out what really makes you happy.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include gender equality, and love, care and commitment.
This movie could give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues such as the following:
- Gender in the workplace: is Kate treated differently from her male colleague? What messages does the movie send about working mothers?
- Relationships: what does the movie say about maintaining relationships with your partner and children? Do you think Kate’s actions represent her feelings towards her family?