The pleasure of seeing Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman go head-to-head goes a long way in Ben Younger's gentle rom-com, though not far enough to make us overlook his wan screenplay and over-reliance on broad ethnic stereotypes. Still, having brought us the testosterone-packed world of brokers in Boiler Room, the director at least scores points for showing he can write for women too.
As a 37-year-old divorcee who begins a relationship with a 23-year old, without knowing he's the son of her therapist, Thurman exudes confidence and sensuality. Streep's on good form, too, as the Jewish shrink who knows a little too much about her boy's love life. Alas, One Tree Hill's Bryan Greenberg is a dead loss as the object of both their affections, robbing Prime of the emotional resonance that might have lifted it above the norm.
