Smart People

Smart People is a family comedy-drama film that came out in the year 2008. Directed by Noam Murro and written by Mark Jude Poirier, Smart People stars Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page, and Thomas Haden Church in key roles.

The movie follows a story of a depressed and self-absorbed literature professor named Lawrence Wetherhold who lives in Pittsburgh. Lawrence has been a widower for years and ever since his wife died, he has stopped taking care of himself both physically and emotionally.

Despite his successful academic career, Lawrence's personal life is in shambles. He is estranged from his son James, played by Ashton Holmes, who has dropped out of college and is working as a messenger. Lawrence's adopted son, Roland, played by Thomas Haden Church, is a laid-back, perpetual slacker who tries to maintain peace in the household while pursuing his own dreams of becoming a writer.

The story takes a turn when Lawrence is placed in an ambulance after a freak accident and meets Dr. Janet Hartigan, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. Janet, a former student of Lawrence, now works as an emergency-room physician in the hospital where he is taken. After Lawrence is discharged, a relationship starts to develop between the two, despite their awkward and somewhat combative moments.

Meanwhile, Lawrence's daughter Vanessa, played by Ellen Page, is a brilliant high-school senior who is preparing to compete in a prestigious debate tournament. She has also become involved with the school's most popular boy, who encourages her to loosen up and have a more normal teenage experience.

As the family deals with their individual personal issues, they start to bond and work together to support each other. Lawrence learns to open up and connect with his family, while they in turn learn to embrace their own individuality.

Smart People is a charming and entertaining film with a superb cast. Dennis Quaid delivers a nuanced performance as a flawed but endearing character who learns to reconnect with the world around him. Sarah Jessica Parker's performance as Janet is subtle yet effective, and Ellen Page and Thomas Haden Church add depth and humor to the story.

The film successfully blends elements of comedy and drama to create a heartwarming story about family, relationships, and personal growth. It explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and the challenges of navigating a changing world.

Overall, Smart People is a well-written and well-acted movie that offers a thought-provoking and enjoyable viewing experience. It's a movie that makes us reflect on our own lives, our relationships with our family members, and the choices we make in our personal and professional lives.