This is not a romantic comedy. Yes, there is romance, and yes, there is some comic relif (thanks to Fogler). But the reality is, this movie is a character study more than anything. The film dives deep into the soul of a man who lost the love of his life, and how he deals with that. Eckhart is amazing as usual, and Aniston plays her role very well; she has to be nurturing, and persistent in helping Eckhart deal with his loss. The movie felt real, it felt like this is something that happens all the time.
The movie takes place in Seattle, Washington. It's a rare occasion when the setting becomes a character, but in this film it does. The on again, off again rain plays to the tone and mood of the film. Seattle's landmarks are all in the film. I especially like the hookah bar that is shown in the film!
Martin Sheen plays Eckharts father-in-law; and is very good in the few scenes he has on screen. As I mentioned before, Fogler is very funny just when he needs to be in the film. He plays Eckhart's long time friend/ business manager. John Carroll Lynch plays a man who's entire life went south after the loss of his little boy. He resists Eckharts advice at first, but has an amazing transformation throughout the movie, it brought tears to my eyes, and I'm man enough to admit it. All the characters were very interesting in their own ways, but it's really Eckhart that carries the movie.
Overall, I would say this is a must-see. I've read some other reviews, and I understand where they're concerns come from, but it's a case study more than a romantic comedy. The marketing is all wrong, I would have sold it as a drama more than anything. Go watch the movie and tell us what you thought, this is a blog, not an up-tight critical site.
