Steve Carrell sandwiches a smaller comedy between the likes of Evan Almighty and Get Smart (which I will see and I hope it doesn't suck I hope it doesn't suck I hope it doesn't suck). Peter Hedges directs his second film, after his decent freshman effort Pieces of April starring Mrs. Tom Cruise. Hedges has a great cast to work with in addition to Carrell, including Juliette Binoche ("French or English, Juliette, pick a side -- we're at war!" I can hear Stephen Colbert saying), Diane Wiest (see Parenthood, Bright Lights, Big City, and 40+ other films), and John Mahoney (of Frazier fame).
Carrell plays Dan, if you hadn't already guessed. Dan is a widower, father of three girls, and writer of a local advice column with aspirations for syndication. The oldest daughter is bookish, responsible and judgmental; the middle wears slingshots about five years before she legally should be able to and has a boyfriend named Marty; while the youngest is just predictably cute. Steve hasn't dated since his wife's tragic death, and everyone in his extended family thinks maybe it's time he starts trying.
Dan drives the girls to his parents' house for a weekend with family. While there, he runs into Marie (Binoche) at a book store, with whom he flirts in somewhat corny fashion. He tries to pursue things further, but alas, Marie is seeing someone. But fate brings Marie, and her date, into the picture. Comedy ensues.
I thought this movie worked a little better than Hedges' first. Some of the scenes are a little trite, the script occasionally falls into schmaltz, but in general the story is enjoyable and the acting is solid. And, if schmaltz is your thing, then you'll like it all the better. My imdb rating: 7/10.
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