Very cute if ultimately formulaic

Rating: 7/10 (29 June 2011)

I thought this was pretty good. Sure, the ending was formulaic. What did you expect? The direction was unobtrusive, the photography good. Ashton Kutcher, who I had never seen in anything but a camera commercial, was okay. Not a de Niro, but doesn't claim to be, and didn't need to be. Some good good work from supporting cast members Ludicrous, Greta Gerwig, and Mindy Kaling. Lake Bell and Kevin Kline chewed just a bit too much scenery. I'm sure the director called for it, so it isn't a criticism of the acting. Natalie Portman was achingly pretty, and has decent comedic timing, something not all primarily dramatic actors have. A nice change for her after the swan thing.