'Must Love Dogs': Heart, dialogue, stars
by Eleanor Ringel Gillespie

"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.
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On the web
Official movie site
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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."


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