It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

This is ultimately a movie about the very bad things that can happen when we don't address our unease, when we just try to brush it off, whether that's to fit in or to preserve our self-image.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

I don't know what I was doing that I missed this show when it was on originally. Now it's in reruns on a variety of stations.It makes me actually laugh out loud - for real. It's not the usual formula sitcom with the same old story lines or tired old "situations" and jokes. The writers do a fantastic job of coming up with fresh, albeit slightly skewered, story lines and the actors make the most of some really great fresh funny stuff.Cloris Leachman as semi-dotty grandma is so, so funny. And, the rest of the cast are great in their roles.I get a couple of good laughs out of every show. I don't know why it only went 4 seasons. I wish they had made more; both the cast and writing are great - in my humble opinion.It has a mature audience rating, but cable TV has turned all attempts at audience ratings on their head so it's really not that racy; but maybe not for kid under 10 - although they probably might not get it anyway. There, that should be the required 10 lines for writing a review.

Martha Plimpton and Garret Dillahunt's relationship is as hysterical as it is heartwarming. Never has a TV couple made me laugh and cry the writers did a wonderful job of showing what true soul mates are and how money doesn't matter when you have your true love. I enjoyed the constant references to "My name is Earl" Had to watch all 4 seasons a second time and was amazed at how many references I missed the fist time. Lucas Neff and Shannon Woodward was a great casting choice and played there parts perfectly. The other characters that brought out the colors of the show are Todd Giebenhain who never had a straight line in the 77 episodes and always made me laugh anytime he spoke. All characters (Even if not mentioned here) had there own quirky presents that made the show one of the best written and well casted shows I've had the pleasure to watch. I especially have to hand it to Cloris Leachman. Who humor and wit has been keeping people laughing for decades.

Like others have said, no I wouldn't want to watch this show based on its premise. While scanning netflix I passed over this time and time again. Slowly I've learned that the very things I pass by are the things I wind up loving. So I decided to test that theory and watch this show, no way another tired old sitcom would hold my interest. The theory holds. This show is amazing. I don't think the family is crazy or dysfunctional at all. Are the story lines exaggerated? Yes. But it seems like the creator of this show said "ok, how can we take real life and make it funny. The whole show needs a you-had-to-be-there feel to it." The best part of this show is that it is heartwarming. Everyone loves each other. They don't just put up with each other. There is good natured ribbing, but it isn't cruel. These guys are a team, and they do what it takes to take care of each other. This borders on slapstick, and I hate slapstick. But every time a site gag is offered, it seems likely, not idiotic. It doesn't fall for the same old tired jokes. You THINK you see a set up for the same pratfall they use in all the sitcoms, the same miscommunication, but this show has its characters quickly outsmart and sidestep this and move the joke into brand new territory. Because of this they don't do a whole show based on one mistaken word/id/gesture etc, each show covers lots of territory. Very very ODD territory. But still somehow believable. THERE IS NO VILLAIN. None. I thought the manager of the grocery store would be the bad guy. Nope. He has his own quirks, he loves his employees and he even sometimes gets in on the fun. And Cloris Leachman. She's having fun. She has always had fun, but she has paid her dues and she can really let it all hang out. This is what Betty White would be doing if she didn't have to live up to the Betty White Hype. SPOILER? At one point she is watching old home movies and when she sees herself she says something to the effect of "that woman looks like the hussy on Mary Tyler Moore." All of this is great. But does it bring the laughs? Yes, over and over. Every actor is milking their character in every scene. I never watch things twice, but I find myself showing people this show and when watching it a second time I'll find things I didn't see before and laugh out loud. Example: Burt wears a shirt that says "I'd rather be in Virginia." Knowing those two, he would.

I am so thrilled that this show has been renewed for another season. Season 4 is already off to a wonderful start. I can't begin to express how much I appreciate the subtleties and hidden innuendo's that this show projects. The writers are brilliant beyond compare. Well done Gregory Thomas Garcia for creating such a wonderful show. I was thoroughly impressed with Season 4, episode 2 "Burt Bucks".....kudos to Joey Gutierrez for writing such an amazing episode. I'm looking forward to another incredible Season. I hope this show continues for many years to come. I love the entire cast, and I love the way that we get to watch them grow each season. Hope is about the most adorable little child actress on television, and Martha Plimpton has always been one of my favorites (since she was a child). Maw Maw is hilarious, and I just love what Cloris Leachman has done with her character. For a 87 year old lady, she is as spry as they come. Keep up the good work Fox. Normally I am not very impressed by the programming on Fox, but this show has opened my eyes and made me take a step back. Love It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!