'Must Love Dogs': Heart, dialogue, stars

"Must Love Dogs" is a somewhat generic romantic comedy blessed with a generous heart, bright dialogue and irresistible stars. Plus, it's not averse to taking risks. The biggest risk: this sweet, funny movie insists people can be around 40 and look like Diane Lane and John Cusack and still have romantic problems. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
Thirty-something pre-school teacher Sarah Nolan has been divorced for eight months, which is too long for her friends and family to bear. Eager to help Sarah cyber-date, her sister puts Sarah's profile online — concluding with the sentence, "Must love dogs."

FILM FACTS ...
Warner Brothers Pictures
'Must Love Dogs'

Director: Gary David Goldberg
Starring: Diane Lane, John Cusack, Elizabeth Perkins, Christopher Plummer, Dermot Mulroney
Run time: 98 minutes
Release date: July 29, 2005
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content.
See showtimes

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
   Trailers require Quicktime

Rate "Must Love Dogs"
  Go see it
  Make it a matinee
  Wait to rent
  Don't bother


Voter Limit: Once per Hour
View Poll Results
READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B-
"Unexpected and all-too-credible moments are what set this character-based movie apart from the usual generic romantic comedy."

Austin American-Statesman: 2 of 5 stars
"Every 20 or so minutes, the screenplay gives Diane Lane a little speech so she can explain to a sister, a friend, or an incredulous audience just what is keeping her from romantic fulfillment."

Dayton Daily News: C+
"... buoyed by witty banter, but the humor tends toward the obvious and the episodic plot is predictable."

The Palm Beach Post: B
"... may not become instantly popular in a crowded summer of teen fare and special effects epics, but it is likely to gain cult status in the long run."

The Palm Beach Post "Flick Chick"
"...Channing, Lane and Elizabeth Perkins, who plays Sarah's over-involved sister, all appear with their laugh lines and fetching signs of age intact. Of course, they're still prettier than you. But it's a start."


Inside AJC.COM

Holiday shopping

Realtime shopping updates for gift bargains in Metro Atlanta. See a deal? Tell everyone!

Holiday Guide

Things to do in Atlanta with family and friends during the holidays.

Weekend Best Bets

International Cat Show, Chante Moore, Magical Night of Lights, chef cook-offs and more!

Obama Inauguration

Travelling to D.C. on Jan. 20? Here's everything you need to know for your planning.

My Style

Cecile Blanco says her clothing style is contemporary with a French twist.

Cheap Travel

No need to drop big bucks. Here are 25 offerings for cruise, hotel and fall travel packages.

Holiday Guide

Here are 10 gifts under $10, including edible candy cane cups.

Top 5 in Atlanta

Skip those drive-thrus. Here are five of best places in Atlanta for a juicy hamburger.

Christmas House

The 2008 edition, with its garlands and wreaths, benefits Alliance Children's Theater.

Kudzu.com services Find the right people for the job

Keyword     Business Name