Tully

         The latest collaboration between writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman is a unremarkable family drama, worth your time if just for the terrific acting by Charlize Theron and MacKenzie Davis.

         Ms. Theron plays Marlo, a mother of two young kids (with a third on the way) whose life continues to beat her down. Her son has serious issues that others call "quirky". Her husband, played by Ron Livingston, is preoccupied with work and his video games before bed. After the third child is born, the needs of all three kids, and lack of sleep all take their toll. Marlo's rich brother, played by Mark Duplass, worried about her, treats her to a night nanny to help with the baby. Shortly thereafter, we met Tully, played by Ms. Davis.

         Never compromising, Ms. Theron plays Marlo, an overworked, overweight, tired housewife making what she can out of an unglamorous life. Enter Tully, every mother's dream of a nanny to help, not just with the baby but with Marlo herself. The two bond and with Tully's help, Marlo begins to once again feel alive. 

        The story follows a fairly predictable path, although it becomes increasingly obvious there is more to Tully herself, than meets the eye. There is excellent chemistry between the two leads and Ms. Theron, in particular, gives a raw honest performance but the simple script offers little. It's a fairy tale for tired, overworked moms everywhere.