Synopsis

Fashion assistant Helen Harris enjoys a carefree Manhattan lifestyle until her sister and brother-in-law die unexpectedly, leaving Helen responsible for their three children. Forced to move to Queens and become a parent overnight, she struggles to balance work, romance, school rules, and the children's grief. With help from her sister and a sympathetic pastor, Helen gradually discovers that family demands more than occasional affection.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was released theatrically in the United States on May 28, 2004, after being shown at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival.

• In U.S. theaters, the feature was preceded by Lorenzo, a Walt Disney Feature Animation short about a cat whose tail becomes mysteriously animated.

• Principal photography took place from January through May 2003, with locations in New York City, New Jersey, and California.

• Spencer Breslin and Abigail Breslin, who play two of the children, are real-life siblings.

• The soundtrack includes Devo's 1980 song "Whip It."

• With a reported production budget of about $50 million and worldwide earnings of approximately $49.7 million, the film was not a commercial success.

• Critics generally viewed the movie as a conventional comedy-drama, though audience reactions were more favorable. Rotten Tomatoes later recorded a 25 percent critics' score and a 61 percent audience score.

• The film runs approximately 119 minutes and was rated PG-13 in the United States.