The main problem I have with some romantic comedies is that they tend to become predictable and underdeveloped, and while on the most part Must Love Dogs is charming and appealing, it does have that problem. I will say that there were several things I liked about this movie, particularly the performances of the actors. Diane Lane is a delight as Sarah, while John Cusack is likable as always as Jake. They are well supported by Elizabeth Perkins as Carol, a wonderfully restrained Christopher Plummer (who is always excellent playing intense characters) as Sarah's father and Stockard Channing as his lady friend. The script did have some nice touches, like Sarah, Jake and Sherry(Jake's rather clueless girlfriend in the latter half of the film) talking about Dr Zhivago, but it is uneven on the most part. Sometimes it was frothy and underdeveloped, as well as over-familiar, but you can't help smile when Cusack and Lane are lighting up the screen. The story was very nicely done, if a little predictable in terms of plotting, and a little devoid of humour. (though I liked the scene when the whole family break into song)The direction was good, if rather amateurish in some scenes, but I have seen worse. Craig Armstrong's score is very fitting with the pacing of the film, but I personally think he's done better. Overall, a sweet and well-played film, if a little predictable. 7/10 Bethany Cox.