I have been looking forward to seeing this movie since July when The Family Review Network offered the chance to free tickets, courtesy of Dove. I was supposed to see it right after it opened in theaters as part of my birthday celebration, but that plan didn’t turn out.  So, yesterday I finally had the chance to catch up with a friend and enjoy this movie together while eating gummy bears.

In short? I liked it.  It is definitely a chick flick, as there are no male actors seen in the film, except the baby born at the end.  Not one, not even the people walking around New York City! Every person, every where was a woman.  Which, I think it s neat concept but it made me realize the impact and ways that men and woman complete each other and how their presence can be needed in some places.

I loved all the little puns and jokes throughout this movie.  We were chuckling the whole time (well, except when there were teary-eyed emotional moments!) and it was generally light-hearted despite the heavy topic.  But, what I really loved the most about this film was the message that I walked out with:

Be who you are and find what you want in life.

As a Mom, I know it it difficult to balance pleasing your family, friends, work, others and still taking time for yourself.  Life’s demands pull women in so many directions that it often leave them stretched thin, with nothing left to give.  Luckily, I’ve always had a Mom encouraging me to practice this idea; to find what I love in life, take a few hours to be creative, to buy something every so often just to pamper myself, or to take a well deserved vacation.  She’s taught me that refueling myself helps me be the best Mom, wife, student and all the other roles I am.  So, it was really neat to watch that concept throughout this movie and see what a difference it makes when we are true to our selves.

I loved watching the characters figure out who they really were. One evolving from a uptight personality who thought she was better than everyone else into a more laid back person who learns how to give to others instead of being selfish. And the other learns to do things for herself rather than trying to please everyone else and take pride in herself. It was beautiful to see the end result and end relationships. To see confident women just being who they are and shedding their fake layers. I totally see why Dove picked up this movie to sponsor! Real woman, Real beauty. Obviously, friendship is also an important factor in this movie and about how it helps you through tough times.

The thing I did not like about the movie was the cursing, sexual language, and drug use.  Personally, I just do not understand why people feel the need to put these in a movie. Over all this film has a great message, but the negative aspects of this movie make me feel like I cannot let my daughter watch this movie until she is well into adulthood.  I think all girls aged teens and up could benefit from the positive “be who you are” message of this movie but the surrounding content it’s shown in disappoints me.  This film is rated PG-13, but I certainly would not let my 13 year old (ya know, if Savannah was that age) watch this as it had many things a girl does not need to know just yet.

Overall, I did like this movie, I just recommend not taking your daughter with you to see it. The cast was fantastic, the humor was great (but for adults), and I left the theater reflecting on my own life.

I really suggest grabbing a girl friend and taking a ladies night out to see this movie.  The break and laughter together will be worth it