Dedication (2007)

"Life is nothing but the occasional burst of laughter rising above the interminable wail of grief." That's just one of many gems crafted by Henry (Billy Crudup), the anxiety-ridden children's book author who loses his long-time illustrator and friend and is subsequently paired up with Mandy Moore, channeling Ally Sheedy from The Breakfast Club. Not quite romantic comedy, not quite edgy independent, Justin Theroux’s directorial debut is at best a mild romp on the dark side that will make you want to see Billy Crudup in better days.