She plays Jane who, during her son's graduation celebrations, ends up in bed with ex-husband Jake (Alec Baldwin). Now remarried to a much younger woman, Jake begins a relentless pursuit of his ex-wife until the two become caught up in an affair with comic repercussions.
And as if that wasn't complicated enough, Jane starts to attract the attentions of sensitive nice guy, architect Adam (Steve Martin).
The rise of the 'buddy movie' has seen filmmakers' attentions move to other audiences and Nancy Meyers follows her successful recipe for that oft-forgotten audience – 'the more mature woman' – to prove it's not just the twenty-somethings that are out there having all the fun with their "complicated" love lives. And women of that certain age are also bound to appreciate her assertion that life really does begin at 40 (or maybe make that 50).
The always-fabulous Streep puts in a wonderful fun performance as the middle-aged divorcee, who while successful and independent, is beginning to feel despondent about her years; when suddenly the tables are turned as she finds herself hot property, and rediscovers that youthful zest for life as she is torn between two lovers.
Alec Baldwin plays the man with a mid-life crisis to a T and is a delight as her 'cheating', slightly bumbling idiot of an ex-husband, making for some truly hilarious scenes.
Notable mention should also go to John Krasinski playing her future son-in-law Harley who, much to his horror, finds himself caught up in the grown-ups' shenanigans.
Admittedly one for the ladies, it will probably have a limited appeal for the men. But if it's a fun girly night you're after, grab the popcorn.
Reviewed by JR Lowry