Greetings again from the darkness. Saw the Dallas premiere this evening of the newest from director Paul Weitz ("About a Boy" and "American Pie"). Weitz continues to show promise as a director, although again he struggles with poor pacing, even sometimes dragging the story line. Overall, this one will surprise as it is not as formulaic as the previews would lead us to believe. Dennis Quaid ("Far From Heaven", "The Alamo") continues his resurgence into movie stardom with another fine turn, this time as a middle aged ad salesman whose world gets rocked personally and professionally all in one day. Topher Grace ("That 70's Show") is the Yin to Quaid's Yang when he is introduced as his half-his-age, with no experience boss. Of course, it only gets worse for Quaid as his new, young boss falls for Quaid's college student daughter, Scarlett Johansson ("Lost in Translation" and "Girl With a Pearl Earring") AND his wife tells him she is pregnant - despite "being past all that". Johansson doesn't deliver the nuanced performance of "Lost in Translation", but Topher Grace will awaken many to his acting ability (check him out in "Traffic"). Philip Baker Hall, David Paymer and Marg Helgenberger are all fine in supporting roles and the great Malcom MacDowell is terrific in a brief cameo as a corporate big wig similar to Warren Buffett. Nice little story that provides a few touching moments and a couple of good laughs. This one should have decent box office appeal, while providing a Hollywood anomaly by displaying a well adjusted, happy family.
