Synopsis

After the death of his wife during childbirth, successful Manhattan publicist Ollie Trinke is forced to raise his daughter, Gertie, with help from his father in New Jersey. His attempt to return to his former career ends in public humiliation, leaving him blacklisted. Years later, a friendship with video-store clerk Maya challenges Ollie's guarded routine and helps him reconsider love, family, and ambition.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was originally assembled at roughly two hours and 32 minutes, considerably longer than the 102-minute theatrical cut. An extended version was screened at Kevin Smith's Vulgarthon events, but it was never given a standard home-video release.

• Following the poor reception of Gigli, Miramax reduced Jennifer Lopez's presence in the marketing campaign and removed her from most promotional images. The release was also moved from late 2003 to March 26, 2004.

• Much of the production took place in New Jersey, including Highlands and Paulsboro. Several Paulsboro locations appear in the film, including the high school and municipal building. The town later named a road leading from the school Kevin Smith Way.

• The Maya character was written with Eliza Dushku in mind, although Smith ultimately decided she appeared too young to convincingly play the romantic lead opposite Ben Affleck.

• Smith wrote the early portion of the screenplay with Bill Murray and Joey Lauren Adams in mind for the central roles before the project developed in another direction.

• George Carlin's appearance as Bart Trinke was his final live-action film role.

• The film represented a major tonal shift from Smith's earlier comedies, moving away from the View Askewniverse's usual ensemble of recurring characters and emphasizing grief, parenthood, and reconciliation.

• Several scenes were filmed but later removed, including material shot inside a church and at a Little League field in Paulsboro.

• The movie was made for an estimated $35 million and earned approximately $35.5 million worldwide, making it a commercial disappointment despite later gaining a more sympathetic audience among some Smith fans.