Ira & Abby

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.

While looking for something with Jon Hamm in it, I stumbled upon his girlfriend, Jennifer Westfeldt's movie, Ira and Abby, and was so glad I did. While Mr. Hamm only has one line in it, the rest of the film kept me very interested in it.

Ms Westfieldt has written a wonderful comedy reminiscent of those of the last decade going back to the 20's, but even more of the sitcoms and movies of the 60's-90's. Writers like Neil Simon and Woody Allen kept us laughing at their comedies with the same wit and fast, sharp tongued dialog that Ms Westfieldt exhibits here in her film. Ever see Mad About You on TV? It's very similar in style to Ira and Abby, right down to it's Jewishness.

Ira is the epitome of the neurotic Jewish young man who can't seem to find happiness anywhere until he meets the quirky Abby and her happy, loving family who are old laid back hippies, much like the format of the TV show Darma and Greg. We just don't get great comedies like these anymore, in movies or TV. His parents are wealthy neurotic psychoanalysts in NYC, of course.

The beginning was slow for me, probably because I didn't like Chris Messina as Ira very much. Another actor would have been better in that role I believe, but no one springs to mind now and they cannot pay the big salaries that Woody Allen productions can. I hung in there hoping to see Jon Hamm and ended up hooked on it (being the lover of great wit that I am) and relished every last word and witty scene.

I loved the acting of the older, more experienced entourage with some greats like Robert Klein and Fred Willard, and the wonderful Frances Conroy. Judith Light did a great job with her part, as well as all the supporting cast of mostly seasoned veteran character actors. Jennifer really shone as the quirky girl reminiscent of Diane Keaton and Mia Farrow from Woody's movies. Jill Clayburg is another who comes to mind. They all managed the fast pace of the dialog under the masterful direction of David Clary who kept things moving at a quick pace and pulled good performances from everyone, but mainly Jennifer who was one of the least experienced actors in it.

I will have to rent Jennifer's other movies to see if they are as enjoyable this one; I have only seen snippets of Kissing Jessica Stein, but based on those I think I will prefer this movie more.

I think Jennifer has a great career in writing once she finds her own style. She has done a great job here and I look forward to the films in her future. Woody won't be around forever and we will need a replacement. I recommend this film to anyone who loves Woody Allen movies, especially the older ones.

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!

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.

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.