Not a complete waste of time

Rating: 4/10 (9 December 2012)

Light enough entertainment, and we made it to the end. But the person who did the casting for this film really struck out. Jack Black isn't in the slightest credible in his role. And Cameron Diaz looks so much better than she acts. It's a movie that had real potential, and is moderately entertaining in its final form. But I suspect it won't ever make anyone's list of top 50 movies for the holidays, even though it's got the exact right title for making that list.
One reason to watch this film is Eli Wallach, who is a real treat. And Kate Winslet's interactions with him are the film's highlight. Two great actors with a compelling subplot are almost enough to give this movie lift-off. But then Jack Black and Cameron Diaz come back into focus, and you're back to looking for the remote control to switch the channel.