How do you feel about movies that pair, by pure unfortunate random circumstance, a relatively normal person, with an annoying, injurious dolt? Generally speaking, I prefer to avoid these premises, because the comedic payload must be quite high to make enduring the aggravation worthwhile.

Surprisingly, this antagonist has some undeniable heart, which gives the picture moments of sincere beauty. Downey Jr. is also an excellent actor - another big plus. He makes it easier for viewers to endure Galifianakis's painful friendship. These moments of intimate fatherhood-reflection propel the story, giving us hope, and the film great promise. Sadly, though we drive cross-country with an oblivious tormentor, the goods aren't delivered upon our arrival. The film's luggage gets lost. It's as if the last 15 pages of a bold thought-out script are torn off and replaced by committee.

Still, those sweet moments amidst the wreckage offer cinematic impact. And, at least half the time, the tragic comedy really is funny. Essentially, this is a B film. It could have been a B+ with the ending I'm suspecting it originally had, (even possibly an A-). But that lukewarm, shy windup leaves me thinking B-.

-- Books by Ross Anthony, Author/Illustrator--