A bigoted misanthropic writer treats everyone he meets with contempt. However, when forced to look after a gay neighbour's dog, he develops an empathy for another creature for the first time in years. Sensing a need for human company, he pursues an unlikely romance with a waitress, who is the only person willing to put up with his rudeness. Romantic comedy drama, with Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Cuba Gooding Jr and Greg Kinnear.

A misanthropic author, a single mother and waitress, and a gay artist form an unlikely friendship after the artist is assaulted in a robbery.