This movie is a delight.

Showing an incredible intelligence in her writing, Tamara Jenkins has made of this story, a very subtle drama.
All the characters are as true as if they were real, the cast is just amazing, from Laura Linney, perfect in her role of middle-aged single woman, to (of course) Philip Seymour Hoffman, through Philip Bosco, as the disappeared and disappearing father, all the actors are playing in such a pertinent way, improving the ability of the spectator to immerse himself in this moving story.

But emotion is not the only interest of the movie, rationality is also here ; the mixture of those two theme is creating the essence of the movie : what can you do to rationalize your feelings ? Is it a good solution to repress them ? Do you have to love your parents ? There are some examples of questions asked by and in the movie. The relation between intellect and sentiment is examined in a very subtle and bright way. This movie is a vade mecum for every day life.

Some movies are made by an industry just to entertain, clearly this is not what this is about, although the movie is smart, it is not elitist, fun and subtle, the movie is a demonstration about the art of counterpoint and an idea of a popular cinema. Jenkins is talking directly, honestly to her audience, establishing through her movie a human relationship, for that she should be thanked.

Perfection is not a human question, here we are talking about excellency, and this movie is excellent.