Ira & Abby

We saw the film at its LA Film Festival premier on June 23, and it is terrific! The film follows Ira (Chris Messina), a neurotic therapist-to-be through his chance meeting and resulting relationship with warm, free-spirited Abby (Jennifer Westfeldt). Messina's performance was convincing and great fun. Jennifer Westfeldt is more beautiful - and just as engaging - as she was in Kissing Jessica Stein. The combination of Judith Light and Robert Klein as Ira's parents was perfect. Klein's comedic timing is a great complement to Westfeldt's brilliant script. Fred Willard is Abby's dad, and his performance is terrific as well. This is the most intelligent and enjoyable romantic comedy that I have seen in years.

Jennifer Westfeldt is just great in her role as Abby. But, her story and screenplay really make this a great film. Chris Messina is absolutely incredible in the lead role, which was certainly no piece of cake for any actor. But he pulls it off like a hot knife through butter. The two of them in this awesome script make for a great film. The supporting cast ain't chopped liver either. Judith Light and Robert Klein were a wonderful delight. This film has it all in terms of a meaningful story about love and romance done with great comedy and charm. It asks all the tough questions about marriage and answers them eloquently. The comedy is wonderfully done.

Anyone who's ever had a relationship, or wanted one, or ever thought about marriage or even divorce should see this film. The script moves along at a fast clip with witty dialog at every turn, like I haven't seen since His Girl Friday. The plot keeps twisting with surprises. Every other scene will have you laughing. This film takes a very serious look at the matters of love, marriage, and divorce and examines them deeply, while keeping it all on the lighter side. This is good old fashion romantic family comedy. They don't make them like this very often.

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!

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.