Review: The Other Woman

It’s a sad fact that there aren’t many comedies starring women for women. The film industry is saturated with cheap, testosterone-laden romps for men, while women are subjected to round after round of predictable romantic comedies. That tide changed in 2011 with the release of Bridesmaids. Since then, there have been more efforts to capitalize on the very real talent of the many comediennes working in the industry. From Bad Teacher to The Heat, we’re seeing an increase in female-centric comedies. This past weekend, 21^st Century Fox added to this growing sub-genre of comedy with The Other Woman.

In The Other Woman, Cameron Diaz plays Carly Whitten, a successful businesswoman who discovers the man she’s been dating is married. Leslie Mann takes on the role of the aforementioned man’s wife, Kate. Rather than devolve into the clichés that surround affairs, the film takes a different route by having Carly and Kate form an unlikely friendship. Together, they plot the ruination of the poor shmuck who thought it was okay to sleep around like some wannabe lothario.

As always, Diaz delivers a satisfying comedic performance. She’s a veteran to the genre and knows just what to do. In fact, her role here is very reminiscent of the now-classic chick flick The Sweetest Thing. Similarly, Mann gives it her all and then some as the kooky wife. She commands every scene she’s in and draws in the most laughs. From her zany dialogue to her extreme physicality, Mann delivers one hell of a performance. Ultimately, these actresses are what drive this film. The costuming may be gorgeous (it should be since Patricia Field handled it), the settings may be lush, and the plot may be mildly amusing, but it’s truly the chemistry between Diaz and Mann that elevate this film’s entertainment value. It may not be on the same level as Bridesmaids, but it’s certainly got more going for it than Identity Thief or any of Jennifer Aniston's attempts at comedy. Interestingly, Diaz and Mann aren’t the only scene-stealers in this film. No, I’m not taking about Kate Upton and her rather distracting neo-Pamela Anderson circa Baywatch moments. I'm talking about Nicki Minaj. Minaj plays Diaz’s straight-talking assistant Lydia. While her wigs look great and her outfits are incredibly stylish, Minaj’s line delivery and overall presence are rather impressive. Truthfully, the film could have used more of Lydia. It would have been everything if she had gotten in on the scheming.

The fact that The Other Woman was a box office success is no fluke. The combined forces of Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann created an endearing on-film chemistry. The movie is funny and, as a comedy, that’s exactly what it needs to be. It’s not a long-winded period drama or a nearly three hour superhero adventure, so the fact that The Other Woman frees itself from the cliché that women can’t get along is a success in and of itself. With comedies in such short supply this summer, The Other Woman could very well end up being the best of the bunch. It also proves that Nicki Minaj may very well have a budding film career on her hands.

Rating: B

Review: Justice League Volume 3, Throne of Atlantis

For his second year on DC Comics’ flagship comic Justice League, Geoff Johns had big plans in store for the World’s Greatest Heroes. He would re-introduce one of Wonder Woman’s most dangerous foes and pen an epic crossover with Aquaman’s book. These stories were collected in Justice League Volume 3: Throne of Atlantis. In it, he explores the personal lives of the League and has them face off in one of their toughest battles yet.

When last we left the League, Green Lantern had quit and Superman shared a kiss with Wonder Woman. Johns leaves little room for the characters to adjust to these changes in the team dynamic as he immediately propels them into battle with the Cheetah. In this two-part story re-introducing the villainess to the New 52 continuity, Johns portrays the character as a viable threat to the League. He also manages to pay homage to the history of the character and enhances her importance to Wonder Woman’s narrative by weaving their origins together. This new Barbara Minerva is perhaps more deceitful and more cunning than ever before. With the powers of a goddess at her disposal, she’s also infinitely more powerful. Hats off to Johns for utilizing the character in such a prominent book and for showing her the respect she deserves. It proves that Cheetah is more than just some throwaway baddie.

The main attraction of this collection, however, is the crossover with Aquaman titled “Throne of Atlantis.” In it, the Justice League must face off against the threat of an invasion from the forces of Atlantis.  The assembling of the issues here leaves much to be desired. There are two versions commercially available – one that focuses on Aquaman’s title and the other on the League’s. The latter leaves out crucial issues that explain the main antagonist’s origins. That aside, “Throne of Atlantis” is arguably the best League story told in the New 52 continuity up until that point. The armies of Atlantis are extremely dangerous and they pose a very real threat to the League. As such, the League calls in some reserves and we get to see a few friendly faces offer their help (namely Black Canary, Black Lightning, Element Woman, Vixen, Hawkman, Firestorm, and Zatanna). Mera is also placed front and centre. She shines bright as the storyline’s breakaway character. She commands each panel she’s in, so much so that it seems ridiculous that she’s not officially part of the Justice League (seriously DC, make this happen!). Similarly, Johns does a lot of great character work here. Cyborg feels more human than ever and there’s a rather touching scene between he and the Flash. The budding relationship between Wonder Woman and Superman is also written quite well.

Fans of the Justice League should not pass up the chance to read Justice League Volume 3: Throne of Atlantis. This collection of stories is thrilling and features some excellent character development. The action is fantastic, the art is gorgeous, and the villains are truly something else. Johns finds his groove in this trade paperback. He continues to give Wonder Woman prominence in the League, portrays Mera as the true badass that she is, and even teases fans with the appearances of fan-favourites like Black Canary and Zatanna.

Rating: A-

Top 10: Best Jennifer Lopez Singles

With over 80 million records sold worldwide, Jennifer Lopez is the definition of a superstar. Her glamorous image and catchy hooks have made her one of the most enduring pop icons of the 21^st century. She has commanded the dance floor for fifteen years and her songs have become moments in the tapestry that is popular culture. To celebrate the phenomenon that is J.Lo, here are her top ten singles released over the course of her illustrious career.

10. “Let’s Get Loud”

As one of Lopez’s signature songs, “Let’s Get Loud” is a delicious salsa track written by Kike Santander and the legendary Gloria Estefan. This feel good anthem is playful and spirited, perfect for pleasing just about any crowd.

09. “Alive”

This ballad was co-written by Lopez and her then-husband Cris Judd for the film Enough. Its positive message is one that continues to be relevant and makes it one of Lopez’s most empowering songs to date. It remains one of her most underrated tracks, but is no doubt one of her best.

08. “Play”

As the second single off of her record-breaking sophomore album J.Lo, “Play” is an infectious club track that reached the top five in Canada. Slick and funky, this track was notable for its explicit lyrics and futuristic music video. It showcased Lopez’s distinct ability to stay ahead of the curve and adapt as an artist.

07. “Papi”

Initially a promotional single for her seventh studio album Love?, “Papi” was eventually chosen as the third official single from the record. Easily one of the standout tracks from the album, it is an upbeat dance anthem that is both catchy and entertaining. Its video also happens to be one of her most humorous, with Lopez paying homage to the romantic comedy genre she’s best known for as an actress.

06. “Dance Again”

As the lead single off of her greatest hits compilation Dance Again… The Hits, this Enrique Iglesias-penned track is Lopez’s third collaboration with rapper Pitbull and is her twelfth number one hit on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. It is a sensual dance anthem with smooth production from RedOne and a temperature-raising music video that remains one of her most controversial.

05. “Hold It Don’t Drop It”

With elements of disco and funk, “Hold It Don’t Drop It” was praised for Lopez’s vocals and continues to be one of her most critically-acclaimed singles. Along with its chic music video, this track is incredibly stylish and showcases Lopez’s ability to adapt to old school genres.

04. “All I Have”

Over the course of her career, Lopez has collaborated with a variety of hip-hop artists and this 2002 single remains one of her most memorable. “All I Have” is a unique R&B break-up song that plays out as an ongoing dialogue between Lopez and her collaborator LL Cool J. This ballad managed to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart, an impressive feat for an artist primarily known for her club anthems.

03. “Get Right”

Following the media frenzy that was “Bennifer,” Lopez resurrected her career with this Rich Harrison-produced club anthem. Easily recognized for its iconic horn segments, “Get Right” is so catchy that it’s criminal. It continues to be one of her most enduring songs and peaked at number one in the UK and reached the top three in Canada.

02. “Waiting for Tonight”

While “If You Had My Love” may have proven Lopez’s musical prowess, it was “Waiting for Tonight” that turned her into a full-fledged dance floor diva. This club track is energetic and infectious, going on to become one of Lopez’s signature songs.

01. “On the Floor”

The musical equivalent of a Hail Mary, “On the Floor” saved Lopez’s musical career and restored her status as the reigning Queen of the Dance Floor in 2011. Its music video broke records and the song itself shot to #1 in more than 25 countries. It is instantly iconic and is a delicious piece of ear candy. “On the Floor” proved that despite her many incarnations and sounds, Lopez knows how to get people moving with her sugary vocals and slick dance grooves.