Life as We Know It

OK, so perhaps it's a bit formulaic. But getting through the process was unexpected. A very sweet story line, and some clunky transitions; however, the ultimate feel was very sweet and pulled at the heart strings. Life isn't simple, doesn't always go as expected, and requires a bit of effort. This film seemed to capture a wide variety of experiences and faced them with poignancy and humor.

I truly was expecting it to be all fluff, or very silly, and I didn't expect the film to tell the story as well as it did. Insight into different families, good times, bad times, and the mundane. No huge laugh out loud moments, but definitely some chuckles. I'm glad I gave it a shot. Give it a try sometime, and you just might be surprised, too.

In Atlanta, Holly Berenson (Katherine Heigl) is the best friend of Allison (Christina Hendricks) and Peter Novak (Hayes MacArthur). She is single and has just called off a three-year relationship and professionally she runs a bakery, is very well-organized and plans to upgrade her business to a restaurant. When her friends schedule a blind date with Peter's best friend, TV sports director Eric Messer (Josh Duhamel), their encounter is a flop and Holly hates the reckless womanizer Messer. However, when Allison and Peter have a fatal car accident, the godparents Holly and Messer learn by the lawyer that they have been named the legal guardians of Peter and Allison's baby, Sophie, and have inherited their large house to raise the girl. Having in common only their love for Sophie, Holly and Messer have their lives turned upside-down and need to support each other to keep the girl with them and honor the wishes of their best friends.

"Life as We Know It" is a pleasant romance, despite the tragedy and predictability of the story. I usually like the films of the gorgeous Katherine Heigl and the practically unknown Josh Duhamel is hilarious in the role of a wolf. Their chemistry is awesome, but the babies Alexis, Brynn and Brooke Clagett steal the movie. I believe that everybody that is experienced father or mother will recall their first experiences as parents and will love the troubles of Holly and Messer. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Juntos Pelo Acaso" ("Together by Chance")

After their first date Holly Berenson(Heigl) and Eric Messer (Duhamel) don't like each other. They have friends in common and those friends die in a car accident and leave their daughter, Sophie, to both Holly and Eric (call him Messer) who are the God-Parents. Now, the games begin

This will start off sad, then it will be okay and funny in many places, and then later on a little sad again; then surprise, surprise, okay again. You were looking for a happy ending, weren't you? I thought so, but it takes some doing to get there. It's all in the telling. And, this is told quite well. And, to have Josh Duhmel and Katherine Heigl portray the God-Parents, well it just doesn't get any better. I think they are terrific actors and their chemistry was excellent.

I said the sad thing because it is sad and tragic when friends die and then leave a 1-yr old baby with others. And, like it or not, I am sure things like this have happened. Maybe the title should have been LIFE AS IT CAN HAPPEN.

So Holly and Eric (wants to be called Messer) are thrown into instant parenthood and go through those trials and tribulations just as if they were married and had their own kid. Well, almost. Many parents will see themselves in here.

As far as the comedy goes, it was very good and I got a lot of laughs throughout starting with the first diaper change. Yes, that's always a good starter duty for new parents. The audience patiently waits for that one.

Violence: No. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Not really, but Heigl does mouth an F-bomb. You don't hear it and she turns away quickly so you don't see all.

I am not a great fan of romantic comedies because, honestly, they all seem the same. This one proved me wrong! I actually laughed (unexpected) and even cried (really unexpected) during this movie. There is great chemistry between all the cast members . The premise that the story is based on is presented as very believable. I found myself immersed in the possibility of this happening in real life, not just reel life! I think the director brought out the best in the actors. Katie Heigl has more depth as an actor than I gave her credit for. Josh Duhmel proves to be more than just a pretty face. I really loved this movie and was so glad I went to see it!

I laughed and cried at the same time watching this movie. The two characters are amazing, funny and beautiful. The comedy part is smart and funny, the drama part is also smart and powerful, the love part is passionate and deep. I recommend this movie to any couple who are thinking of having a baby or to anyone who thinks that he/she is not ready for a relationship.I am sure that this movie changed a lot of our thoughts and ideas. Life is tough and complicated but we have to live it and enjoy it and LOVE. Recently, we hear a lot about "no strings attached" and "friends with benefits" type of relationships, let me know what you think after watching this movie!