OK-so it's rather predictable and gets off to a slow start, but I found this indie as it progressed, enhanced by an excellent cast, won me over with its' wit and humor. It reminded me somewhat of the movie "Liberal Arts", from filmmaker Josh Radnor, which I also like quited a lot.

Hugh Grant is in fine form here, portraying Keith Michaels. a once highly successful screenwriter, but whose career is now flagging badly. Out of desperation, he accepts a position, set up by his agent (Caroline Aaron), which will have him teach a screen writing course at Binghampton University, in upstate New York.

Grant plays the fast-talking and glib cynic as well as anyone, and when he arrives in Binghampton, he undergoes the culture shock of feeling he's in the "sticks", and firmly believes all teachers are "losers" and that writing can't be taught anyway. Of course over time, he will see he can really help and care about his students, and will learn some important lessons for himself as well.

He gets exceptional support here from such screen notables as Marisa Tomei, J.K. Simmons, Allison Janney, and Chris Elliott. All of the students add much to the movie as well, with Bella Heathcote leading the way and getting the most screen time.

Overall, this film, ably written and directed by Marc Lawrence, was a pleasant surprise, and I found it quite funny and enjoyable. Even the outtakes, as the credits are rolling, were very humorous.

Stories about writers who are having difficulty putting pen to paper are a dime a dozen, but I found this one charming. Hugh Grant plays the fallow screenwriter who follows the adage, "Those who can't...teach." His life is a total failure on all fronts, but he manages to survive thanks to a droll wit and his refusal to lay down and die.

Marisa Tomei plays the object of his distracted attention with her usual aplomb. Without committing to anything, she becomes the rudder to his floundering ship, with insight and a tender recognition for his hidden value. But it is Grant who makes this film something special, imbuing every scene with an honesty that makes the story enjoyable. Here he is not so glib as he is dealing with the trials of every moment.

This is a sleeper I must recommend.

There's a certain type of film that is just right for Hugh Grant...and this is it. It's fortunate that Grant has seemed to understand his current age and has opened himself to this type of more middle-aged role.

The story here is "nice" , but certainly not groundbreaking. It's a pleasant romantic comedy...but not one that throws it all in your face. No, this one is a little more subtle. Here's the story in a nutshell: Hugh Grant plays a once (with emphasis on the word once) successful screenwriter. Now he's dead in the water, and reluctantly takes a job at the SUNY college in Binghampton, NY teaching writing...it's the only job open to him, and will give him a chance to recharge his batteries...maybe. But he goes into it with no enthusiasm...in fact disdain. And as soon as he arrives, sex with a young (but legal) student falls right into his lap. Big mistake. Especially when an older student is who he actually falls in love with. Just as he begins to find himself in his new life, just as he breaks off the relationship with the young student, and just as he begins to realize who he is really in love with...another faculty members decides to bring him up on ethics changes for having a sexual relationship with a student.

Hugh Grant is just right in this sort of self-depreciating role. You end up rooting for him...and that's always good for an actor in a film.

Marisa Tomei -- a much underrated (though usually fairly busy) actress, is also perfect for the film. She's very believable as an older back-to-college student.

Allison Janney is really good as the rather bitter college professor who the plot sort of revolves around...but actually has little screen time.

J. K. Simmons -- who seems to more and more be a man for all films -- is really good as the department chair. He brings a great perspective on how seemingly people from different walks of life can become teachers (and I know).

So, what's wrong with this film? Well, to begin with, we expect an ethics hearing...which we don't get...although admittedly that might have been stereotypical. And, I do dislike films that don't bring closure to a film, or who short change us on closure...as this one does. The "next chapter" would have been very interesting.

So, it's good, but not great. Charming and humorous, but not a comedy. It shows we all can have second chances. It's worth watching, but probably won't end up on your DVD shelf.