Abigail Breslin & Ryan Reynolds in Definitely, Maybe.
Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/definitely-maybe/26919/main
As a rule, I usually wait for romantic comedies and romances to come to DVD. I'm not knocking these so-called Chick Flicks but I prefer to see other types of movies like action and sci-fi/fantasies on the big screen where you can better appreciate the visuals. These smaller films play fine on my 32" TV where screen size is not important.
What is a Mom Movie? Since we take my 89-year-old mother to a movie on Saturdays, we find one that will please her as well as us. She also likes action comedies and strong dramas but nothing too bloody or with graphic sex scenes. We took her to see Definitely, Maybe and we enjoyed it as much as her.
Ryan Reynolds, who was pretty funny in Blade 3 and Waiting, has his self-deprecating sense of humor toned down here as a divorcing dad rehashing his past romances to his persistent, inquisitive daughter played by Little Miss Sunshine's Abigail Breslin. She wants to hear about all of his former women but he makes her guess which one turned out to be her mother. And we wait too until the end as most of the film is played out in flashbacks during the Clinton years.
And it's a nice wait too as the drama and humor unfolds with even balance. Seeing Reynolds in a more sympathetic role seems out of place but proves rewarding. Whether this will lead to more similar roles shall be seen. All the actresses playing his three loves offer fine support as they blend into the story as well as Kevin Kline who almost steals the movie playing a garrulous, soused college Professor and lover of Rachel Weisz who's torn between the two men. Isla Fisher, who was so good in The Wedding Crashers, is even better here as another woman providing the voice of common sense in Reynolds' life. And Breslin is appealing in a precocious but not cloying way as his daughter whose questions set the plot in motion. She almost melts your heart with her wide-eyed innocence.
Definitely, Maybe passed the Mom Test and I have to admit I was a little weepy at the conclusion. No cheap sentiment here. Just sweetness without saccharine and a good time for all. For a thoughtful review, go to: http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/movies/14maybe.html?ref=movies
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