Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is a newspaper columnist, widower and father to Jane, Cara, and Lily. They take a trip to the home of his parents to visit his family, including his brother Mitch (Dane Cook). Cara doesn't want to go, since she doesn't want to leave her boyfriend, with whom she says she fell in love in just three days. But Dan insists that it's not possible to fall in love in three days, and he makes her go.
The morning after his arrival, Dan's mother encourages him to go into town for a bit to give his daughters some space. Dan visits a bookstore and a customer named Marie (Juliette Binoche) mistakes him for an employee. Dan and Marie strike up a conversation and continue their talk over a large muffin, orange juice and tea. Marie finally leaves, and tells Dan that she has a boyfriend. Dan returns to his parents and is surprised to find that Marie is there, and her boyfriend is Dan's brother Mitch.
Dan and Marie spend the majority of their time trying to deny their attraction to each other. Cara's boyfriend shows up despite the long journey but is sent home by Dan. During a family talent show, Dan plays guitar while Mitch sings Pete Townshend's "Let My Love Open the Door." But Mitch forgets the words, and Dan steps in, serenading Marie in front of his brother. Marie is unable to continue to deny her feelings for Dan, and she breaks up with Mitch. Before leaving town, she calls Dan, and they meet at a bowling alley. After spending some time bowling, Marie and Dan embrace. Dan's family then shows up. Mitch is furious and punches Dan, and Marie runs out. |