Smart People : intellectuals lose the plot

Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid) is a brilliant teacher who has been in a depression since becoming a widower. On a visit to hospital, he happens upon one of his former students, who is now a doctor (Sarah Jessica Parker). However, while Lawrence has a gift for literature, he has less talent for love, especially with his know-it-all daughter getting involved (Ellen Page) and his adopted son moving in with him (Thomas Haden Church). Time to panic!

The "family in chaos" provides a classic background for drama tinged with humour. Noam Murro ensures that "Smart People" escapes typical Hollywood constraints. Mixing subtle humour into the difficult moments of this mid-life crisis with accompanying bereavement, the actors demonstrate that they can excel in a fairly solemn register. But despite the prestigious cast, the film is no masterpiece...