‘Men are from Mars, women are from Venus’ is just one of numerous pearls of relationship wisdom which have been volleyed at women over the last few decades.

The noughties version of this mantra is “He’s Just Not That Into You’ - originally uttered by one of Carrie’s boyfriends in an episode of Sex and the City and then penned as a self-help book by Liz Tuccillo and Greg Behrendt, who both worked on SATC.

Published in 2004, this dating guide became a New York Times bestseller and was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Having sussed out the huge market for such advice, Hollywood bigwigs have now made the book into a movie which boasts an all-star ensemble cast.

Rather than being a no-brainer chick flick, He’s Just That Not Into You is a surprisingly funny and sassy rom-com with some poignant moments.

The movie follows a group of interconnected 20 and 30-somethings as they struggle through their various relationships - from marriages and long-term co-habitees to commitment-phobes, affairs and dating.

The central theme is that contrary to what women think men are simple creatures who do and say exactly what they mean - if he’s not ringing you after a date then he’s just not interested. It’s not because he’s shy or nervous or busy or any number of other lame excuses your friends offer to protect your feelings.

Rather than just ramming this premise down your throat the movie cleverly explores the different ways in which men and women misunderstand and sometimes disappoint each other.

Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) just wants a man who will call when he says he will and her new straight-talking pal Alex (Justin Long) advises her to stop sitting by the phone waiting for guys who clearly aren’t interested.

Beth (Jennifer Aniston) longs for her long-term live-in boyfriend Neil (Ben Affleck) to prove his commitment but he doesn’t want to tie the knot.

Janine (Jennifer Connelly) isn’t sure if she can trust her husband Ben (Bradley Cooper) who is secretly trying to resist the charms of the unpredictable Anna (Scarlett Johansson).

While Anna can’t decide between the hot married guy and her dependable standby bloke Conor (Kevin Connolly) who desperately wants to get serious.

And finally Mary (Drew Barrymore) has a network of supportive gay friends but wants to hook up with a guy who can make her laugh.

There are no weak links in this star-studded cast but Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly and Ginnifer Goodwin put in the strongest performances.

Connelly’s Janine deals with her husband’s adultery with dignity apart from a couple of no-holds barred and realistically acted outbursts. A grieving Aniston steals two of the film’s most touching scenes opposite Ben Affleck and Goodwin is adorable as the unlucky-in-love Gigi who finally gets her man. Justin Long also deserves a mention as the smart but guarded Alex.

This thought-provoking tale is not just one for the single girls.