Ira & Abby

I saw this film at the LA film festival, and enjoyed it, even if it left me pretty much right away.

The plot is one we've seen before, almost a sitcom plot, outgoing girl meets nebbishy guy. It's kind of a cross between an older Woody Allen film and Darhma and Greg, but what makes it enjoyable is the cast.

The two leads are fine, but it's the supporting pros that steal the film with relish whenever they can. Robert Klein, Frances Conroy, Fred Willard all seem to be having a very fun time, and that translates right out into the audience.

I think it was shot on digital instead of film, which makes it kind of different to look at, but not unpleasant at all.

A fun date movie!

This was one of the most entertaining films I have seen in a long time. I was looking forward to seeing this film by Jennifer Westfeldt since her "Kissing Jessica Stein" was such a delight. Everyone I know has said that was one of their favorite films.

"Ira and Abby" definitely doesn't disappoint. The casting is amazing with many top stars. Sometimes it appears that directors choose famous actors only for their celebrity. Not so in "Ira and Abby" since all of the actors give great performances and are not just caricatures. Jason Alexander, as one of the several psychiatrists in the movie, sheds his Seinfeld persona and truly gets into his character. Same with Robert Klein, who gives one of his best performances. Jennifer Westfeldt, as Abby, is refreshing and natural and is a joy to watch as she goes through myriad of emotions and transformations in the film. Kudos to the casting director for all of the excellent choices.

The writer and director have intelligently avoided showing us a serious subject as simply funny and without pain. There is a lot of humor but also a serious side with a twist ending that makes this film a must see for all ages. It is an original and refreshing take on modern romance.

Ira & Abby (2006)

What a special sweet film about two people who meet, fall in love (totally and instantly), and make a go of marriage.

Ira is played by Chris Messina who is disgruntled and ambitious, and he's really good at playing a mild and likable malcontent. He is going to therapy to find happiness, and getting nowhere.

Abby is played by Jennifer Westfeldt and she's a sensation, a total gem on screen, scintillating and in her warm oddball way, utterly lovable. She is the opposite, of course, as movies like this require, which means she has no ambition and is utterly happy all the time. She's so happy she infects Ira with happiness--how simple is that?--and the whole movie, as well. And the audience. It's a kind of wonder how it works on everything. In a bad mood? See this movie.

The best parts of the movie really show Abby's effect on Ira, on Ira's family, on strangers, and then, eventually, on herself as she has to face some unhappiness. An example scene will help--the couple are on the subway when a man with a gun sticks everyone up for money, maybe ten people. Abby sweetly (and without cornball excess, that's the wonder of it) asks him how much he needs. She'll give it to him. He's gradually mollified as she goes around collecting money from the other passengers and gets what he needs. He's suddenly willing to take a little less (this is the comedy, of course) and you see how in some bubble reality this kind of kindness might actually work. (She discovers him later with a job, and you sense that she saved him somehow by giving him that bit of sunshine.)

Okay, you might wonder how to build a whole movie on this. Well, there are complications with the parents, who have various kinds of relationship problems themselves. No clues here. Eventually it's a comic can of worms and all very fun. Perfect? No, but excellent overall. I could watch it again, which says a lot for this kind of lightweight fare. Westfeldt deserves it.

Nice.

While not up to "Jessica Stein" (which remains one of the best NY romantic comedies ever) this is a smart, witty, and winsome romance.

With a wonderful supporting cast and real thought in the filming this is definitely worth the viewing. Complaining that romantic movies are unrealistic is like complaining about the body count in action movies - either it's your cup of tea or it's not - this most definitely is our cup of tea.

Abby and Ira are two unlikely soul mates - she dippy and soulful, he neurotic and unsure; after one day they decide to marry....

Of course you know they'll have problems, and yes, the families, the therapists et al are there; but what separates this out from the herd is two things: firstly, it has modern taste, the filming and shape and arc of the film are much better than most, and secondly, a host of great performances that neatly skewer the comedy.

We enjoyed it, it is not hugely memorable, but it is enjoyable, and on that alone is recommended.

Loved this movie from start to finish. The script is intelligent and wonderfully humorous. In a day and age where comedy is stricken with a poverty of feeling and nuances, this movie is a brilliant example of how comedy could skillfully be presented with a generous dose of insight and wisdom.

The actors portraying Ira and Abby and the supporting cast are so genuine that it's hard to believe that they are unreal. I believe that we don't need any more sadness from the celluloid medium anymore than we already have in our lives, so I love happy movies. This movie is a celebration of happiness and delivers it in dollops.

I strongly recommend that you go and see it as soon as you can. It is bound to lift your spirits and fill you with joy!