The title sounds vague; the actors, though popular, aren’t huge stars; but still when you hear the theme of this movie, it might interest you. The comparison of humans and cows in the aspect of partner preferences provides some great laughs.
The movie is actually based on a novel, aptly titled Animal Husbandry. In spite of the basic I-dinno-whom-I-should-fall-in-love-with plot being repeated often in recent times, the realism is what makes this movie stand out. Added to that is the twist that the seemingly good guy is the bad guy and vice-versa. But around the middle of the movie, the screenplay loses way and sort of gropes its way to the awkwardly dramatic end. If what you read till now seems to indicate that this movie is one of those regular romantic comedies, one should beg to differ; with quite a bit of cynicism and seriousness loaded, this is in a slightly different league.
Ashley Judd plays her central character with ease, varying her moods from grief to joy and frustration to playfulness. Hugh Jackman quietly makes an impression, with a role that is much different from X-Men, Swordfish or Kate and Leopold. He is one guy to watch out for in the future! Greg Kinnear and Marisa Tomei are sadly wasted in parts not worth their ’Oscar-certified’ talents. The director seems to have achieved good synergy among these four.
Audiography seems wanting in quite a few places where the dialogues are hardly intelligible. The soundtrack sits easy except for possibly one small portion of the movie.
Overall, this is not a bad way to spend time in front of TV when you’re looking for some relaxation.