Ira & Abby (2006)

I watched this movie because I saw Chris Messina in "The Giant, Mechanical Man" and liked him in that a lot. I liked this movie for lots of reasons. It's laugh-out-loud funny at many points. I love the whole exploration of the analyst/therapist community, and the penultimate scene in which all the analysts & therapists that you've seen throughout the movie come together. That was a hoot--so funny! I thought Chris Parnell and Jason Alexander were particularly good--really good--in their performances as therapists (probably the best thing I've seen both of them do outside of SNL and Seinfeld, respectively). Jason's line in that penultimate scene truly nails/identifies Ira's worries. I mourned and groaned over Ira's repeated failures to realize the treasure he's stumbled upon in Abby. Abby's honestly, openness, and care for everyone was really funny and well-written, but also personally refreshing, which rightly attracts--and ultimately makes insecure--Ira. Abby's point (on the day they meet) about marriage in today's world is a valid one--essentially, she says: "Since 50% of all marriages end in divorce, and we seem to really like each other, why not just get married and give it a go? I mean, we have just as great a chance as anyone else at succeeding at it, right? Why go through seven years of dating and the wasted energy of engagement and a big wedding? Let's just get married." Good point! I loved that the movie explored many typical pains of marriage in a good sampling of couples, especially in regard to faithfulness and unfaithfulness. The question of coping with a spouse's unfaithfulness (and the guilt and fear experienced by the one who's in the midst of unfaithfulness) is explored a good bit across the couples. Jennifer Westfeldt is stunning in her performance. It's so well done. Her character is so bright, without being fake, and so kind, that even though she's not a knockout in looks (though not ugly, certainly), her personality made you think, "This is the most beautiful woman ever!" Her character is a testament to the fact that sincerely caring about people can really make a difference (and even be transformative) in their lives. This is presented very humorously, but as the viewer, you also get the point. Also, Westfeldt does a masterful job in showing hurt and insecurity, especially in the scene where all the in-laws and they have gathered for the annual Halloween photo. The significant part I didn't like was the movie's conclusion--its final answer to the question, "What is the use of marriage?" Ugghhh. Wrong answer. How about, instead, the answer that the whole movie has built up: "Do like Abby: love and trust your spouse, and be kind and concerned for them"? How about, "Provide security for someone else by being committed to them no matter what"? This is the thing for which Ira and Abby both long throughout the movie--to have the other be committed to him/her no matter what. In Parnell's office, that's the great pain. Ira and Abby's conclusion about marriage at the end doesn't follow what the movie has more-aptly demonstrated, and leaves you saying, "Huh?" Their conclusion was so disappointing and empty.

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.

My husband picked this title out of a bin of discount DVDs, hoping for a light romantic comedy. What we got was not light, definitely not romantic, and while it had funny moments, it left a bitter taste in the mouth. Ira is a young man with no direction in life. After 12 years of therapy, he cannot even decide what to order at a restaurant. Then he meets Abby, who seems to have all the answers. Or does she? The movie seems to be trying to make a point about love vs. chemistry, sex vs. love, and whether marriage is viable in this day and age. The director cannot seem to decide whether this is a heartwarming love story or a satire about therapists. Excellent performances by a stellar cast do not make it any easier to figure out what the point might be. There are a few magical moments, but they don't seem to go anywhere.

This film just made me cry. There are days were you feel you are very sentimental and things can get real close to you. I am glad I had one of these days because there is so much truth in this film. Love or here marriage in particular is not supposed to be easy and some people even admit to difficulties. So don't feel bad if your love has seen some dirt. We are all just human beings and as Ira's dad says "You will never really know a person.". It sounded so sad, but hey I guess that's the way it is. But don't get me wrong there is true love out there and it is the case with Ira and Abby. I never felt so happy for two actors finding each other.^^So this film is a must see, not matter if you are married or just a teen trying to find your way in life. I didn't like romances.