An accomplished author tries to hold on to his family of aspiring writers while dealing with his separation from his wife whom he still loves. Bill is a famous writer with a daughter, Sam, who is on the cusp of being published, and a son, Rusty, who is an aspiring suspense novelist. Bill is still reeling from the separation from his wife, Erica, who is now married to a younger guy. Sam and Rusty find his obsession of "reconciling" with his ex a delusion that is unhealthy for their dad's writing career. Bill is casually seeing a housewife on the side who advises him to get out there and start dating for real. Sam on the other hand, scarred by her mom's infidelity, remains hostile towards her mom, and acts out by being promiscuous and detached in her relationships. Rusty is in love with a troubled girl in school, who's in an abusive relationship and is an addict. When he rescues her from her boyfriend, he gets the girl of his dreams and starts writing successfully.
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Meanwhile, Sam meets an unassuming good boy Louis who wants a serious relationship. After hesitation, Louis makes Sam realize that love isn't so bad after all. Louis tries to reconcile Sam and Erica, to little success. As for Bill, when he starts to move on, Erica sees him in a better light and starts to love him again.
After a family crisis when Rusty's girlfriend is almost date-raped, Rusty retreats to being his aloof and guarded self and becomes depressed. He pulls through and starts to write again, gaining the attention of his favorite author, Stephen King. Louis' mom dies of cancer, which prompts Sam to re-evaluate her relationship with her mom. After turmoil, the family comes together and Bill and Erica reunite. The film ends with a thanksgiving dinner with the whole family in complete attendance.
Best part of story, including ending:
I like the family dynamics, all bound together by their love of writing and also their loving relationships.
Best scene in story:
When Louis hits on Sam at the bar, but is shot down since Sam is only looking for a one-night stand, and not a boyfriend.
Opinion about the main character:
Bill is pathetic, but when he gets his stuff together and gains confidence, he unexpectedly gets his wife and family back.
