I saw this film with someone I care about; the theory being that happiness shared is happiness multiplied. It was a lot of fun. Like a lot of comedies, this certainly isn't brain surgery; or rocket science either for that matter. But it does touch on some very real, human subjects about life, relationships and families. In that way it is sometimes as much of a drama as a comedy. Both sides of that coin are more than average entertainment.
The story is set in Atlanta, but it could be in any modern day urban environment. The two central characters, named Holly Berenson and Eric Messer, are ably portrayed by Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel. The plot is about throwing two people with opposite personalities together in order to take over the care of their best friend's baby after they are killed. They begin with an adversarial relationship from the start and we get to watch how their relationship evolves as they are forced to work together to take care of the ever adorable baby. The story - perhaps inadvertently - makes a strong case for arranged marriages but, at the same time, also makes a lot of good points on the subject of the importance and value of families.
The production quality is above average throughout, having a slick, almost too polished Hollywood look and feel to it. I wondered who the maid was.
The two leads certainly make the film, delivering above average performances and fitting the whole idea of the story as well as any two people could. I especially enjoyed Ms. Heigl's performance. She brought individuality, tenderness and real emotion to what could have been a stereotyped character. In the end I found myself rooting for them to survive.
I also bears mentioning that the supporting cast is quite excellent. The most noticeable were Josh Lucas who was charming, Faizon Love and Melissa McCarthy; both suitably funny . . . especially Love. Which is as good a word as any to end this.
By Bruce L. Jones http://webpages.charter.net/bruce.jones1/
The story is set in Atlanta, but it could be in any modern day urban environment. The two central characters, named Holly Berenson and Eric Messer, are ably portrayed by Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel. The plot is about throwing two people with opposite personalities together in order to take over the care of their best friend's baby after they are killed. They begin with an adversarial relationship from the start and we get to watch how their relationship evolves as they are forced to work together to take care of the ever adorable baby. The story - perhaps inadvertently - makes a strong case for arranged marriages but, at the same time, also makes a lot of good points on the subject of the importance and value of families.
The production quality is above average throughout, having a slick, almost too polished Hollywood look and feel to it. I wondered who the maid was.
The two leads certainly make the film, delivering above average performances and fitting the whole idea of the story as well as any two people could. I especially enjoyed Ms. Heigl's performance. She brought individuality, tenderness and real emotion to what could have been a stereotyped character. In the end I found myself rooting for them to survive.
I also bears mentioning that the supporting cast is quite excellent. The most noticeable were Josh Lucas who was charming, Faizon Love and Melissa McCarthy; both suitably funny . . . especially Love. Which is as good a word as any to end this.
By Bruce L. Jones http://webpages.charter.net/bruce.jones1/