Melanie Parker, an architect and mother of Sammy, and Jack Taylor, a newspaper columnist and father of Maggie, are both divorced. They meet one morning when overwhelmed Jack is left unexpectedly with Maggie and forgets that Melanie was to take her to school. As a result, both children miss their school field trip and are stuck with the parents. The two adults project their negative stereotypes of ex-spouses on each other, but end up needing to rely on each other to watch the children as each must save his job. Humor is added by Sammy's propensity for lodging objects in his nose and Maggie's tendency to wander.

George Clooney held Mae Whitman in front of his face to hide that his eye was bruised during a basketball game in the scene when Jack shows up at Melanies' apartment.

Melanie:
I only wanted to warn you that Sammy can get into trouble faster than you can make most women smile.

Continuity: When Jack crosses the street with the two kids, a tracking shot shows the sign reads "DON'T WALK." Then the view switches to in front of them and the sign on the opposite side of the street says "WALK."

Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King
Performed by Natalie Merchant
Natalie Merchant appears courtesy of Elektra Entertainment Group