I picked this up at a pound store so my expectations were low. I hadn't heard of the film but I like Steve Carell so thought I would give it a watch. What unfolded was a funny, sensitive, entertaining story about a man struggling with his life as a single parent. There are details here that are beautifully handled. I am surprised that this film is not better know. I hope people will seek it out. It's a treat!

Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is a lonely widow who writes an advice columnist. He is overprotective and over his head especially with boy crazy Cara (Britt Robertson). He can't even teach his oldest Jane (Alison Pill) how to drive. The family is spending the weekend with the extended family. That's where Dan meets and falls for Marie (Juliette Binoche) at a bookstore. Only later does he find out that she's his brother Mitch (Dane Cook)'s girlfriend.It's a sweet rom-com with a great ensemble cast. Even Dane Cook is good here, and I usually can't stand him. It helps that he's that douche character. Steve Carell is playing a downer character. His depressed angry guy approach is quite an eye opening. Juliette Binoche is her charming self.The inter-family fight do have some awkward moments. The movie's lighter moments and its general whimsical tone can clash violently with those awkward moments. In the end, the movie resolves itself quite well and it ends happily ever after...like there's any other way.

i have reviewed this film partly because it is one of my favourites and partly because it has for me too low a mark on IMDb. For me it is one of those hidden gem films that is cult but not a massive hit. its strengths are the study of family dynamics, and its humour care of a good script and a host of good actors. it is a film that as a family we can watch again on a cold winters night and still laugh at. if you like films with an emotional heart, that has a meaningful psychological story line and a nice love story then i am sure you will like this story, for me it must score a minimum of 7.5. The actors in the film read like a whose who, and when you look at the actors talking about the film there seems to be a lot of preparation which shows through in the film.

I really liked this movie and have watched it a couple times. Its a little depressing at times, but is filled with witty humor that keeps the movie going and will put a smile on your face. The characters and problems seem very real and relatable in the movie and the approach that the director takes is pretty original. It was very well cast as they made the story very believable and approachable.. This movie was really touching to me as it was written so well. Of course I like a lot of Steve Carrels movies and I believe he really lit up this movie and gave it charisma. This movie is full of emotion whether its making you cry or making you laugh. A great and smart movie for adults.