Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

I thought this was a very interesting movie. It really made me stop to think about choices that I have made and ones that I will make. It's an honest look at what many females face in life today. The choice between the safe man that really loves us or the loser that we have passion for or the scary choice of trying to make it on our own in the unknown. Any man that truly understands this movie is a true "hottie"! Ed Burns wrote it and I think he's a total "hottie"! He was even cuter than Jon Bon Jovi! I'll watch more of his movies now.

(I must first preface this review by admitting that I am from a northeastern town similar).After reading some of the reviews here and seeing the movie recently on IFC, I feel that this movie is a little misunderstood.First of all, this movie was not made for everyone. By that I mean that Edward Burns is speaking to a specific segment here. This is a story of everyday life in a working class small Northeastern town. He recreates the ENTIRE environment: groups of people that graduated highschool together and never left, the gossip, the one and only social hangout, all the intrigue and interconnected people, the way they talk and interact with each other, and even the music they like to listen to (there are a couple Bruce Springsteen songs mixed into the soundtrack).After creating this dead on environment, he tells the story. This is where a lot of people here have had problems. Burns shows the monotony of everyday life in this town. I mean, he ACTUALLY shows it on camera: people going to their jobs, talking about mundane stuff, etc. Things that other directors would have merely mentioned through dialogue or other means.This is done for a reason: Burns is trying to put you in this town. As if you are one of those who has been trapped here. He makes an attempt to show you these things so that you'll understand the character's desires to leave.And if you've spent any time in one of these towns, you will understand EXACTLY what he is trying to say. Sorry to say, it's a sort realistic movie. The characters are imperfect, they do dumb things. The awkwardly and badly tell lies to each other. They like normal people.Other than that, I could have done without Bon Jovi. He showed no range of emotions (if my girlfriend stayed out with another guy until 5 a.m., I would think my voice would show a little more inflection at least).Anyway, if you are from this area and want to "go home again", rent this movie. If you aren't and want to see what it's like, see this movie. If you liked any major blockbuster this year, pass.

I have enjoyed Mr. Burns' work since I first saw The Brothers McMullen a couple of years ago. His movies portray relationships with hardedged honesty and subtle humor. His scripts are nearly flawless in their ability to find the romance, tragic at times, in the lives of pre-middle-aged characters. Each successive film has been better than the last one, and I make it a point to follow his upcoming works.

I liked this movie, I really did. It is one of the only roles I have ever like Lauren Holly in. She looks fresh and young in a movie where everything else looks barren and destitute. Take for instance the smoking mother. She looks like death warmed over. Okay, and why must they make Edward Burns go this entire movie without washing his hair? I know that he is supposed to act like a slime ball, but must he LOOK like one? Nevertheless, I still found myself liking him. You just can't help but love that New York attitude and indifference that he exudes so gorgeously. And Jon Bon Jovi! I am glad that Hollywood is giving him a fair shake at acting instead of criticizing his cross over like every other musician/actor. Without a doubt, Jon has a gift for acting. I have seen him in other movies that have further supported my opinion on this. My recommendation, own this movie, just don't watch it with someone you don't really love or it may make you realize just how much you want to get in the car and drive, too. Vaya con dios.