Written by Jennifer Westfeldt, who also stars as Abby in this Manhattan-centric comedy, "Ira & Abby" is akin to Woody Allen's filmic escapades with Diane Keaton, minus the intellectual rigor. More like an extended sitcom episode, "Ira & Abby's" jaunty vibe gives credit where credit is due, by casting Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a convincing psychiatrist Dr. Morris Saperstein. In this film, Ira Black (Chris Messina) is a self-doubting depressant who, raised by two affluent therapists, thinks too much until he meets the air-headed but refreshingly genuine gym sales consultant, Abby Willoughby. Marrying after one passionate day, viewers quickly discover how Ira and Abby's parents refract the personalities of the two lovers. Seymour and Arlene Black (Robert Klein and Judith Light) seem formal, unhappily married, and bitterly aging. Michael and Lynne Willoughby (Fred Willard and Frances Conroy) appear to be an idyllic, jovial married couple, until several events reveal how none of the three couples can maintain surface façades. As in Allen's films, most scenes center around misunderstandings and mishaps, leading to several comedic visits to various therapists. One wonders throughout whether Ira and Abby will pull through, though the film ultimately questions marriage as a construct in the sweet, simplified language of romantic comedy. —"Trinie Dalton"