Owen (Paul Schneider) is an erstwhile writer who lives in Los Angeles. He loves the city but he is having trouble on two fronts. One, his work is mainly "ghost writing" sensational crimes, like the exploits of a set of homicidal twins. At present, he is working on the biography of a former astronaut (Fred Willard). And, second, Owen is having trouble in the romance department, too. He is still in love with his ex, Eileen, when an earthquake shakes the town, scaring everyone. But, to add insult to injury, Owen's former flame tells him that the quake has led her to conclude that any reconciliation between them is out of the question. Mightily depressed, Owen decides to burn every bridge in LaLa Land and move east. Thus, in short order, he says goodbye to his great pal, Allison (Poppy Montgomery) and her girlfriend (Tori Spelling), gives up his apartment and smokes a reefer right in front of his old AA group. He also sells his car. But, when he arrives at the airport to fly to New Jersey and begin his new life, wouldn't you know, a pretty woman, Val (Jennifer Westfeldt) is there, kissing a man goodbye. Since she is a friend of Eileen's, he strikes up a conversation when they are alone. It is there he learns that she has broken up with her boyfriend (one last kiss for good measure, it seems) and is available. Owen likes what he sees and so does Val. Yet, how can return to the city of Angels when he has just given the town the raspberry? Nevertheless, Owen u-turns and bunks with Allison while his relationship with Val is beginning. Since time is of the essence, Owen puts Val to the "test", trying to see if she will find a problem with his worst habits. What will be ahead for these two? This was such a delightful romantic comedy! It has zest, imagination, and humor in abundance. It also has a very capable cast, with Schneider, Montgomery, Willard, Spelling, Westfeldt, and everyone else doing great work. Quite nice as well are the sets, costumes, and production values. Most importantly, the writing and direction are downright wonderful, far above the norm in tinseltown. If you adore funny tales of love, get this one without delay. It wrote the book on "how to have a fun night in"!
