Fuck, you let those Hollywood hands get near anyone interesting and they just make 'em all sappy and mediocre, don't they?

Based on our shared feelings about The Office (U.K. ONLY), I have enough confidence in your review, Lindy, that I'm going to just skip this one.

In case you're interested, here's the most interesting other thing I've read about the film (but not based on having actually watched it, I think) -
http://imomus.livejournal.com/492374.htm…

I don't think it's as Gervais he set out to make The Office UK as an American movie. He was making a romantic comedy (it's that from the start) with some interesting thought-experiment aspects, as you said. And some good laughs. I think it does what it's trying to do.

I prefer The Office also, but they're two entirely different animals. I think this is still worth seeing. And like with Ghost Town, Ricky Gervais shows that he can carry an American romantic comedy as the lead, not as the amusing sidekick. Which is a pretty amazing accomplishment if you ask me. Maybe next time he'll do something more edgy and work with Stephen Merchant again.

(Regarding the characters blurting things out, I think holding your tongue could be seen as a form of dishonesty...)

I too was extremely excited to see this movie. I went opening day and was crushed to find a brilliant comedian star in a film with an all to familiar rom-com plot.

I think this review sums it up perfectly. I'd also like to add that the movie made me long for the laughs and unhappy endings Extras has to offer.

I would have also appreciated a cameo from Karl Pilkington...

I meant, "I don't think it's as if Gervais set out to make..." Um. Yeah.