Life As We Know It

If you need a little break from award season's serious dramas, then today's new DVD releases should do the trick. There are three comedies in the mix here — one romantic, one screwball, and indie — so take your pick!

Life As We Know It

Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel star opposite each other as Holly and Messer, acquaintances who are thrown together when they have to raise the baby their best friends leave behind after their untimely death. The opposites clash at first, but eventually attract as they go from inept singles to caring parents in this romantic comedy, which, while completely predictable, is still pretty charming. Maybe it's the heavier-than-usual subject matter that gives it a fresh angle, or the cute, clever dialogue; either way, it's perfect for the rom-com lover. DVD extras include several deleted scenes.

29%

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Zach Galifianakis tones down his usual shtick to play Bobby, a mental patient who shows newbie Craig (Keir Gilchrist) the ropes at the mental hospital Craig has just checked into. It's a surprising departure for Galifianakis, who pulls off the serious role and keeps the movie going, even though it does get a little slow. Emma Roberts also stars as Craig's love interest, along with Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan as his parents. The DVD extras include deleted scenes, an outtakes reel, a featurette called A Look Inside It's Kind of a Funny Story, and red carpet footage from the film's premiere.

58%

See one more new release when you read more

Who better than to bring down the Social Network geeks than Johnny Knoxville and his band of misfits? The majority of you were looking forward to seeing Jackass 3D in the theater and it showed in box office earnings: the film took in a staggering $50 million in its opening weekend, setting the record for highest October opening weekend ever. Fellow newcomer Red didn't even earn half that, but still got second place with $22.5 million.

Former champ The Social Network sank down to the third slot with $11 million, followed by Secretariat with $9.5 million. Katherine Heigl's Life As We Know It clung to a top five spot with $9.2 million.

Last week's box office champ, The Social Network, managed to stay on top of the box office for the second week in a row. The Facebook flick earned $15.5 million in its second weekend out, beating new release Life as We Know It, which came in at number two with $14.6 million.

Fellow newbie Secretariat ran a decent race and grabbed the third spot with $12.6 million, while Legend of the Guardians fell to fourth place with $7 million. Debuting horror movie My Soul to Take squeaked into the top five with $6.9 million.

A trip to the pediatrician's office doesn't stop Holly Berenson (Katherine Heigl) from looking her best. Whether it's the silk yellow top, the multicolored scarf, the black skinny jeans, or the various gold accessories, Katherine's character simply exudes casual style. Shop for these pieces, and you'll be ready for the doctor's office or any other errands you may have to run.

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Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Whether you like your comedies romantic or dark, you're bound to get at least a few laughs at the theater this weekend with new releases Life as We Know It and It's Kind of a Funny Story. To find out if you should put your money on Katherine Heigl or Zach Galifianakis, just watch!

Holly Berenson (as played by Katherine Heigl) might look shocked in this scene from Life as We Know It, but we certainly aren't. We're not surprised at all that Berenson's work clothes are completely covetable. Luckily, it's easy to steal her style with a black blazer, white blouse, and straight-leg jeans, so do so with these items.

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Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

While working at her bakery, Fraiche, Holly Berenson (played by Katherine Heigl) looks polished and professional, but not too buttoned up. We especially love the casual color combination: the pink of her blouse and the gray of her blazer mixed with the white jeans and gold accessories. If you're digging it too, shop these similar pieces.

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Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Katherine Heigl has solidified her reputation as a romantic comedy actress with a track record that started out strong (Knocked Up) but has hit a few bumps throughout her career (Killers). With Life as We Know It, Heigl is staying within her preferred film genre, and it's one of the better films on her resume.

As Holly, Heigl is the polar opposite of Messer (Josh Duhamel), a mutual friend of her friends Alison and Peter (Christina Hendricks and Hayes MacArthur). Like most of Heigl's characters, she's a Type A control freak while he's a slacking playboy. They clash on their first date and keep their distance from one another, until tragedy strikes and Alison and Peter die in a car crash. They leave their 1-year-old daughter, Sophie, behind, with her custody in the hands of Holly and Messer. Anyone can figure out what happens to Holly and Messer's relationship as they bond over raising a baby together, but thanks to a script full of heartfelt moments and clever dialogue, it's a pleasant journey.

To find out why I enjoyed Life as We Know It, just read more