This film follows the mystery man who wrote the most popular book of all time, answers that he has for God and the answer to them. He stays in recluse and is infuriated by his search for true spirituality, and in lieu of searching for the solution for his back issues he is entranced by a woman who hasn't heard of him.The follows three people in their life and how they come to effect one another and while romance.Movie with some very thoughtful, quirky quotes ever. Enjoyable and thoughtful this is one of my favorite movies with Jeff Daniels, or at least my introduction to the brilliance of Jeff Daniels.

Jeff Daniels is Arlen Faber, Philadelphia author, and 20 years earlier wrote a run-away best seller, "Me and God." In it he presents a whole series of questions and, he says, God spoke to him with the answers.But when we first see Arlen, and the door bell rings, he utters a series of blue language expletives and we immediately wonder "Who is this guy who talks to God?" He is intolerant of most people and most situations, and is a recluse who doesn't want anyone to know who he is or where Arlen Faber lives.One day, bending over awkwardly, his back catches and all he can do is lay on the floor, in pain. He calls his agent, but she is fed up with Arlen's refusal to surface for his 20th anniversary, so she hangs up on him. Desperate, he crawls down the street and to the nearest chiropractor who happens to be lovely Lauren Graham as Elizabeth. (I have been a fan of hers ever since I first saw her on 'Gilmore Girls' and a weekend with her on a small tropical island would be nice.) As soon as Arlen sets eyes on her, he is smitten. But he has so much baggage that he is a difficult person to form a relationship with.The other key person is Lou Taylor Pucci as Kris Lucas, almost broke proprietor of the local book store. He and Arlen eventually form an unlikely friendship that helps both of them find new directions in life.I really enjoyed seeing this movie. The acting and dialog are interesting and, while not all is resolved by the end of the movie, everyone seems to be on a better path. I want to see it again, and that is always a good sign.

It's called Asperger's Syndrome. Adam (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1185836/) wasn't the only one to bring it to the movies in 2009. This time, just like your favorite movie-time snack, it got snuck in using less obvious packaging. Jeff Daniels' portrayal of the gifted, if paradoxical Arlen Faber feels a bit truer to how the condition can manifest itself in real life and how it can hide behind the most unassuming of appearances. See both movies and see that there's a reason they call it "on the spectrum" for those of us who are like Arlen or Adam.Don't think for a moment that men are the only ones who have this condition. The ratio varies according to some sources, but a healthy number seems to center around 4:1; that is, for every 4 men with Asperger's, there is only 1 woman with the condition.We don't mean to be rude or awful (okay - well, not always, anyhow), we just are. Many of us can't help it. Part of this comes from a lack of tendency to engage in or tolerate any kind of dishonesty. Another part comes from our difficulties engaging in social interactions and situations in general.Next time you come across someone like Arlen Faber, realize that you are being faced with an opportunity from God to suspend anger, hatred and judgment.

I usually don't write reviews but rather I usually read them to see if the film is something I truly want to watch or not. But given the one, and only, poor review on here so far I thought I'd add some perspective. This film centers around Arlen, who is a irritable man who once authored an existential book but now lives in recluse and away from prying eyes. His character I find fully believable because there are many people who write a book or several books but don't want the fame handed them, they just simply wanted to write a good story or get their thoughts out, the fame was mere collateral damage. This is how Jeff Daniel's character feels. He dislikes people and attention in general. Partially due to not wanting the fame but partially due to having his own personal demons and issues. Along comes a struggling chiropractor who is trying to get her own business going and also a struggling recovering alcoholic who is trying to keep his small bookstore open. Their paths converge in various ways, of which I won't tell to leave some mystery to the reader. The chiropractor (Lauren Graham) eventually becomes Arlen's romantic interest. But it is not a simple or easy relationship and I don't feel that Arlen makes a magical unbelievable change as the prior review states. He is at first softened by her professional expertise and out of appreciation seems to let a door open and try to get to know her. I'd say him liking her son, and kids in general it seems, is part of his character. I would also say his character opens up to the bookstore owner (Pucci) because he is honest and persistent, things Arlen admires. Everyone has their demons and flaws in this movie which I feel add a certain honesty to the film. It didn't feel particularly flawed or predictable. Although there are a couple turn points and their consequences that felt predictable but in all I'd say it wasn't that predictable because of the characters not being formulaic. I thought the pacing was in general nice and enjoyable. If you want a dark comedy that becomes a bit lighter and romantic then this is for you. I'd say its a bit smarter and more enjoyable then most of the made for rudimentary teens romantic teens out there. Take this review at what you will but please read this and the prior for a more balanced view point of the film.