Will Ferrell should do more of this

Rating: 8/10 (26 August 2012)

Not knowing what to expect, and considering Ferrell a bit of a hit-and-miss actor, I started watching this with some trepidation.
I was soon proved wrong - this is a lovely little story, unique and quirky, with stellar performances from Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Emma Thompson. Dustin Hoffman supports admirably, and director Marc Forster never lets the plot drag. In the wrong hands this could have been a disaster, but the story works its way to a surprising ending whilst maintaining a deep sense of appreciation for the key characters.
Loses two points due to the terrible miscasting of Queen Latifah (who, in fairness, doesn't have a lot to do except stand around in a suit and look annoyed).