Well, obviously Julia Roberts and the great Susan Sarandon and Ed Harris are going to give stellar performances in every movie.  This movie was great and I loved it.  For all those who felt sorry for the mother, remember they pointed out SHE kicked HIM out for working so hard, and of course the houses that both live in are fantasy places that only multimillionaires could afford.  But there you go--if you are going to get this rich you have to work around the clock, it's just a fact of life.  It comes down to two women who were excellent in their roles and I loved the fact that the director forced us to feel annoyed and love both characters in their own way.  It's really well worth picking up at a garage sale or renting from the library.  The kids played brilliantly and I am truly surprised that they did not become stars as adults.  For all of you who complained that the 12 year old girl was annoying, you must not be around 12 year old girls.  They are beginning puberty and they are ALL difficult and annoying even without faced with these heartbreaking situations.  Well worth a look.