I watched this movie because I saw Chris Messina in "The Giant, Mechanical Man" and liked him in that a lot. I liked this movie for lots of reasons. It's laugh-out-loud funny at many points. I love the whole exploration of the analyst/therapist community, and the penultimate scene in which all the analysts & therapists that you've seen throughout the movie come together. That was a hoot--so funny! I thought Chris Parnell and Jason Alexander were particularly good--really good--in their performances as therapists (probably the best thing I've seen both of them do outside of SNL and Seinfeld, respectively). Jason's line in that penultimate scene truly nails/identifies Ira's worries. I mourned and groaned over Ira's repeated failures to realize the treasure he's stumbled upon in Abby. Abby's honestly, openness, and care for everyone was really funny and well-written, but also personally refreshing, which rightly attracts--and ultimately makes insecure--Ira. Abby's point (on the day they meet) about marriage in today's world is a valid one--essentially, she says: "Since 50% of all marriages end in divorce, and we seem to really like each other, why not just get married and give it a go? I mean, we have just as great a chance as anyone else at succeeding at it, right? Why go through seven years of dating and the wasted energy of engagement and a big wedding? Let's just get married." Good point! I loved that the movie explored many typical pains of marriage in a good sampling of couples, especially in regard to faithfulness and unfaithfulness. The question of coping with a spouse's unfaithfulness (and the guilt and fear experienced by the one who's in the midst of unfaithfulness) is explored a good bit across the couples. Jennifer Westfeldt is stunning in her performance. It's so well done. Her character is so bright, without being fake, and so kind, that even though she's not a knockout in looks (though not ugly, certainly), her personality made you think, "This is the most beautiful woman ever!" Her character is a testament to the fact that sincerely caring about people can really make a difference (and even be transformative) in their lives. This is presented very humorously, but as the viewer, you also get the point. Also, Westfeldt does a masterful job in showing hurt and insecurity, especially in the scene where all the in-laws and they have gathered for the annual Halloween photo. The significant part I didn't like was the movie's conclusion--its final answer to the question, "What is the use of marriage?" Ugghhh. Wrong answer. How about, instead, the answer that the whole movie has built up: "Do like Abby: love and trust your spouse, and be kind and concerned for them"? How about, "Provide security for someone else by being committed to them no matter what"? This is the thing for which Ira and Abby both long throughout the movie--to have the other be committed to him/her no matter what. In Parnell's office, that's the great pain. Ira and Abby's conclusion about marriage at the end doesn't follow what the movie has more-aptly demonstrated, and leaves you saying, "Huh?" Their conclusion was so disappointing and empty.

Watched in via streaming Netflix.Chris Messina is Ira Black, son of two therapists, excuse me, 'analysts', and has a personal history of problems making decisions. As an example when he goes to he street café he orders one thing, then as the waiter starts to go away, changes his order, and does that a couple of more times. On a more serious issue, he has a girlfriend for 12 years but has not yet been able to decide to get married. Jennifer Westfeldt is perky Abby Willoughby, who works in sales at a downtown gym. She has a knack for making friends with almost anyone. In fact, when on the subway and a guy brandishes a gun and asks for money, she goes up to him, asks him how much he needs, then proceeds to calmly collect from the other riders. The love story starts when Ira, on a whim after seeing a poster, goes into the gym and is given a tour by Abby. Somehow she falls for him right away. She likes his face. She hugs his bare tummy after they compare 'bulges' in the mirror. He is taken aback by her interest, and he seems to like her too. But is shocked when she asks him, right away, to marry her.So the unusual story takes many twists and turns on its way to its eventual conclusion. While it in no way helps anyone figure out where they might want to go with their lives, it is a fun and entertaining movie.MAJOR SPOILERS: Ira and Abby go ahead and get married quickly, even though they don't know much about each other. Then certain revelations leak out, like the two other husbands Abby had had and then divorced. And Ira begins to feel uncomfortable that Abby doesn't seem to have any ambition, being satisfied with a small job that allows her to survive. They actually get the marriage annulled, then they re-marry. Meanwhile her dad begins an affair with his mother, which causes further family stress. In the end Ira and Abby are in bed, discussing their plans, including "I will never again ask you to get married" and they both sign the new divorce degree, happy to be in love.

Nice.While not up to "Jessica Stein" (which remains one of the best NY romantic comedies ever) this is a smart, witty, and winsome romance.With a wonderful supporting cast and real thought in the filming this is definitely worth the viewing. Complaining that romantic movies are unrealistic is like complaining about the body count in action movies - either it's your cup of tea or it's not - this most definitely is our cup of tea. Abby and Ira are two unlikely soul mates - she dippy and soulful, he neurotic and unsure; after one day they decide to marry....Of course you know they'll have problems, and yes, the families, the therapists et al are there; but what separates this out from the herd is two things: firstly, it has modern taste, the filming and shape and arc of the film are much better than most, and secondly, a host of great performances that neatly skewer the comedy.We enjoyed it, it is not hugely memorable, but it is enjoyable, and on that alone is recommended.

Jennifer Westfeldt is just great in her role as Abby. But, her story and screenplay really make this a great film. Chris Messina is absolutely incredible in the lead role, which was certainly no piece of cake for any actor. But he pulls it off like a hot knife through butter. The two of them in this awesome script make for a great film. The supporting cast ain't chopped liver either. Judith Light and Robert Klein were a wonderful delight. This film has it all in terms of a meaningful story about love and romance done with great comedy and charm. It asks all the tough questions about marriage and answers them eloquently. The comedy is wonderfully done. Anyone who's ever had a relationship, or wanted one, or ever thought about marriage or even divorce should see this film. The script moves along at a fast clip with witty dialog at every turn, like I haven't seen since His Girl Friday. The plot keeps twisting with surprises. Every other scene will have you laughing. This film takes a very serious look at the matters of love, marriage, and divorce and examines them deeply, while keeping it all on the lighter side. This is good old fashion romantic family comedy. They don't make them like this very often.