This Ritter flick is no â??Bâ?? movie

Before she snagged the starring role in "Don't Trust the B----In Apartment 23," Shickshinny-reared actress Krysten Ritter co-wrote and starred in "Life Happens" (2012, Universal, R, $20 ), a tangy comedy about an L.A. dog walker named Kim who becomes pregnant after a one-night stand.

The focus isn't on Kim's romantic life, though a cute guy (Geoff Stults) catches her eye, but on the ways in which new motherhood impacts her friendship with her best friend Deena (a cheeky Kate Bosworth).

Rounding out the cast are Justin Kirk ("Weeds"), Rachel Bilson ("The O.C."), Kristen Johnston ("Third Rock From The Sun") and Jason Biggs ("American Pie.")

Shot in 2010, "Life Happens" received a limited theatrical run in April. It deserved a much bigger launch, considering the film is funnier, richer and sweeter than most mainstream comedies. Part of what distinguishes "Life Happens" is the way in which Ritter and co-writer/director Kat Coiro allow each member of the cast to shine.

The never-better Bosworth shines brightest as an author who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go out and get it.

And playing a single mom lets Ritter, a whiz at sarcasm, show off a softer side. It might take some digging to find it, but check this sleeper out. "Life Happens" is touching and vital.

Amy Longsdorf writes about DVD and Blu-Ray releases with local connections.