My One and Only (2009)

My One and Only is the kind of road movie that sneaks up on you: light on its feet, dressed in candy-colored 1950s style, and quietly aching underneath its good manners. Renée Zellweger gives Anne Deveraux a cocktail of bravado, vulnerability, and comic timing that makes even her worst decisions feel human, while Logan Lerman anchors the story with a coming-of-age steadiness that deepens the laughs into something tender. Director Richard Loncraine keeps the tone breezy and good-natured without denying the sting of divorce, disappointment, and the hard math of starting over with kids in tow. If you want a plot-heavy comedy or a sharp-edged drama, this may feel too gentle, but if you’re in the mood for charm, atmosphere, and performances that glow, it’s an easy trip to say yes to.

My One and Only wants to be a bittersweet, 1950s-flavored road movie about a flawed but determined mother reinventing herself, with the son’s coming-of-age quietly unfolding in the passenger seat. Renée Zellweger is game and the period details are pleasant, but the film often feels like it’s skimming the surface of its best conflicts, keeping things tidy when they should be messier and more emotionally risky. The episodic “new town, new man” structure can start to feel repetitive, and if you’re expecting sharp comedy or gut-punch drama, it’s more mild, polite, and ultimately a bit forgettable. If you like gentle, low-stakes character pieces with a soft edge, you may enjoy the ride; if you need real momentum or depth, this one may test your patience.