It does not fail because it's story but instead because of it's horrible choice of style and terribly slow moving plot. (metacritic.com)
Rita makes horrible choices in her life (if they can even be called choices), and she runs away when things get tough, dragging Ruthie (Stefania Owen) behind her. (rogerebert.com)
The characters still make horrible choices which impact their immediate families and friends, but the looming dread and depression are replaced by a lighter air, snappy one - liners, and does its best to keep the grief off screen. (thecriticalcritics.com)