A family comedy that one might think could not turn into much based on the size and even sheer wordage of the book it’s based on but surprisingly is a thoroughly enjoyable and funny movie.  The key to the movie really is the cast but also how each of the characters are used and how each of their individual stories really do tie into the overall theme.  I’m convinced Steve Carell at this point can do no wrong as he deftly becomes the funniest actor in the film but also its heart.  The rest of the characters slip into their roles easily and despite one storyline that doesn’t get as much focus, they all are endearing and become a family we all root for easily.

The premise is simple: It’s Alexander’s birthday and despite living with a family of overachievers and successful people nothing seems to go Alexander’s way and he just wishes the others could see what that was like.  Unfortunately Alexander, played so well by Ed Oxenbould, couldn’t pick a worse time as every member of the family has some huge event coming up and thus, chaos ensues.  As Carell and a very game Jennifer Garner juggle work problems, the other siblings try to navigate high school and teenage problems that all seem natural and not too contrived which is usual for the genre.  Through all of this the set pieces are well written and seem to flow within the story.  There are more than a few laugh out loud moments and pretty much every situation with the youngest of the clan is just damn funny.

The story is filmed with a sense of whimsy and fun and done lightly that it’s all so enjoyable.  Flooded with a cast of great supporting actors and an ending that you almost can’t help but smile for, the whole movie plays out as a great movie to watch with the whole family.  I couldn’t help but think of another Carell film when watching this one in Crazy, Stupid, Love which played out with almost a wink to the audience and had so many of the same qualities.  All in all though this is a movie that is so easy to recommend to almost everyone because of the themes of family and being happy with what you have.

Recommend? Yes, for families and everyone else, check this one out.