A thirty-something preschool teacher looks to the personals for a change of pace and a relationship, with hilarious results.
Director:
Gary David Goldberg
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Title: Must Love Dogs (2005)
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1 nomination.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Diane Lane | ... | Sarah | |
| John Cusack | ... | Jake | |
| Elizabeth Perkins | ... | Carol | |
| Christopher Plummer | ... | Bill | |
| Dermot Mulroney | ... | Bob | |
| Stockard Channing | ... | Dolly | |
| Ali Hillis | ... | Christine | |
| Brad William Henke | ... | Leo | |
| Julie Gonzalo | ... | June | |
| Glenn Howerton | ... | Michael | |
| Ben Shenkman | ... | Charlie | |
| Jordana Spiro | ... | Sherry | |
| Kirk Trutner | ... | Deli Guy | |
| Victor Webster | ... | Eric | |
| Michael Spound | ... | Marc | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Preschool teacher Sarah Nolan (Diane Lane), divorced for eight months, is still grieving the end of her marriage. Although she didn't see it as being perfect, she probably would have stuck it out as what she saw as the "for better or worse" obligation of the wedding vows, that is if her ex-husband, Kevin, didn't end it for what ended up being leaving her for a younger woman. She is urged by her over-supportive family, comprised of her many siblings, their partners, and her widowed father, to get back into the dating scene, something she has been reluctant to do in not feeling ready. As such, her most proactive sister in the matter, Carol (Elizabeth Perkins), sets her up on an Internet dating site. Within her less than prepared state, Sarah does go along with meeting men by the means offered to her. Beyond especially her female siblings, Sarah is given unique perspectives on the whole issue of dating and commitment by her father, Bill (Christopher Plummer), who is exploring dating ... Written by Huggo
Taglines:
The hardest trick is making them stay.Parents Guide:
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Rebecca: The best place to meet a guy is at the supermarket. You don't need to waste a lot of time there, either. You see a guy holding a list, you know he's married. He's in the frozen food section carrying a small basket, he's single. I like to hang out by fruits and vegetables, there's a better chance of getting a guy who's healthy.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Gary David Goldberg's company mascot, UBU, is a Newfoundland - the same dog in this movie. "Sit, Ubu, Sit. Good dog." See more »Goofs
When Sarah runs out of the shop where she's having a manicure, she has flip flops on and toe separators on her feet. After she talks to Jake and turns around to go back to finish her manicure, the separators are gone. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Rebecca: The best place to meet a guy is at the supermarket. You don't need to waste a lot of time there, either. You see a guy holding a list, you know he's married. He's in the frozen food section carrying a small basket, he's single. I like to hang out by fruits and vegetables, there's a better chance of getting a guy who's healthy.
See more »
Crazy Credits
During the credits, two Newfoundlands are shown, with the following caption: "No animals were harmed during the filming of this movie. Though we were petted within an inch of our lives." See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
29 July 2005 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Must Love Dogs See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$30,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend USA:
$12,855,321, 31 July 2005Gross USA:
$43,894,863Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$58,231,520Company Credits
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IMDbPro »
John Cusack and Diane Lane, two of the most interesting actors working today, make this somewhat predictable romantic comedy work. They flesh out characters from a pretty weak script, and make you want to know those characters better.
This film is not rocket science, but if you expect to enjoy a bit of romantic fluff, you will not be disappointed. The only frustrating thing is knowing how much more both of these fine actors is capable of. Given a strong script and inventive director, can you imagine what a great film they could make together?
For this viewer, the weakest part of the script was the two-dimensional nature of some the supporting characters. For example, why would a sensitive, romantic boat builder like Jake have a strip-club-loving sleazy lawyer friend as his only male pal? And while the long suffering younger brother character is amusing and well acted, his wife is non-existent. Also, why would the father become a Lothario upon the death of his wife? If he was really a great guy, wouldn't he continue to act that way?
Also, the script never seems sure whether it wants Diane Lane's character to be comical or touching. The montage showing her entering computer dating with a gusto seemed forced - it aimed for a Bridget Jones type breeziness, but missed - and the singalong to the Partridge Family theme song scene was downright embarrassing. Thankfully Cusack was not subjected to that scene!
All in all, a good one to see if you love the leads, but don't expect belly laughs. It might leave you a little wistful for a romantic comedy as fresh as "Say Anything".... (sigh)