Opened: June 11, 2004

Directed by: Frank Oz

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler, Christopher Walken, Glenn Close, Roger Bart, Faith Hill, Jon Lovitz, Matt Malloy, David Marshall Grant, Kate Shindle, Lori Bagley, Lisa Lynn Masters, Robert Stanton, Mike White, Carrie Preston, KaDee Strickland, Larry King, Meredith Vieira, Billy Bush & Mary Beth Peil

By remaking The Stepford Wives into more of a comedy than a thriller, director Frank Oz loses the intensity of the source material and makes an unfunny movie.

After her career as a reality television executive producer ends, Joanna (Nicole Kidman) has a breakdown and is moved to the suburbs by her husband Walter (Matthew Broderick). Noticing the strangeness of women in her new community, Joanna begins to investigate the neighbors.

The problem with the script is that it consistently falls flat. The characters have little development – Broderick’s Walter is an empty shell – and the stereotypes meant to be satirical fall short and become offensive.

However, Glenn Close is a standout as the community’s first lady Claire. Close dives deep into Claire’s perfection and gives a brilliantly manic performance.

Final say: A robot could do better. ★☆☆☆☆