It is a rare movie indeed that can appeal to older teenagers and there parents. The story on the surface seems over the top but its the honest performances by the actors that make it all seem plausable. I grew up watching Mathew Modine as we are about the same age. I have loved him in so many great films. He is just so natural. You can't help but love him as the head of the household. I had a childhood crush on his screen mother, Gigi, Shirley Jones. Mrs Partridge was the coolest mom ever. There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said about Kristen Chenoweth. She is magic. All the kids in this film were exceptional. My teen kids totally related to them. Joey King is a scene stealer but its the lovely Olesya Rulin who is the glue holding it all together. Watch out for her. She has a bright future in films.
Pros well paced, great story, great actors, quirky, just plain fun