By and large, ho-hum

Rating: 4/10 (24 January 2007)

Oh, come on! Funny, at times. Ensemble acting very good. But "Best Picture" nomination for 2006? No way! It is a passable comedy, nowhere in the league of such great comedies as "Some Like It Hot," "Dr. Strangelove," "Blazing Saddles," etc. Of course, comedy is a matter of taste, and yes this film is funny, but a best picture of the year???? Wow! They're certainly scrapping the bottom of the barrel. I can see Arkin being nominated for Best Supporting Actor, but that's about it. His low-key performance is brilliant. I wasn't impressed by Abigail Breslin, though, and given the other contenders in her category, it'll be a miracle if she wins.