By bringing together Jason Lee and Julia Stiles, long since two of Hollywood's best-kept secrets, the casting proves the most desirable aspect of this otherwise transparent rom-com.
In past films (notably in the work of directors Kevin Smith and Cameron Crowe), Lee has established himself as a sturdy supporting player who blends into the background like a wry chameleon. Meanwhile, Stiles seemed to be developing a Shakespeare complex in Hamlet, O and 10 Things I Hate About You.
Both put in resolute performances here, but a dire plot leaves little to salvage other than their dignity. The rest of the cast are merely bit part players, with Paul's fiancee (Blair) particularly neglected: thus one of the movie's key relationships seems barely credible.
It's as if screenplay co-writer Glienna dug out a raw draft of his earlier and more successful movie Meet The Parents, but was unable to add any originality - or gags.