The most real family on the screen in years

Rating: 10/10 (4 August 2006)

This was an excellent movie, the cast was excellent, the script was excellent, everything was just about perfect. Though I was not really prepared for the downs that accompanied the ups in this, they were worthwhile and meaningful. This movie pretty much takes place on a road trip over near a thousand miles. You get to know the characters pretty well. Dano the teenage brother, I hope we will see a lot more from him. He is quite the actor. The little girl Olive, also really excellent. Of course who could go wrong with Arkin, Kinnear, Colette and Carrell. Carrell really shows he is more than just a comedy guy in this.
The one other thing about this movie, I didn't find myself thinking 'yeah, right' at any unbelievable scenes. This was truly believable, therefore not in the same category as say "40 Old Year Virgin" which was funny but outrageous.
I recommend this to anyone that is looking for a meaningful comedy. If you are just looking for something for big laughs, go see something else, this will surely make you laugh, the theater roared at times. But, there was some painful moments, if you are capable of empathy at all. This is a testament to all the great acting.