Stan Philipps's wife Grace is a sergeant with the U.S. Army. While she's posted to Iraq, the earnest Stan is home in Minnesota with their daughters, Heidi, 12, and Dawn, 8. He manages a home supply store. After morning visitors bring Stan news, he takes the girls for a car ride that turns into a spontaneous trip to Dawn's favorite place, a Florida amusement park. On the way, they stop at Stan's mother's house, where his brother is staying. Heidi is an insomniac, who tries to fathom her father's uncharacteristic behavior. Dawn is cheerfully unreflective. They have fun at the park. Stan summons his courage.

The film was originally going to be directed by Rob Reiner, who dropped out during pre-production for unknown reasons. The film's writer, James C. Strouse, then took over directorial duties.

Heidi Phillips:
What do you do at work Dad?


Stanley Philipps:
I sell shit.

Continuity: In the scene that Stanley is talking to his elder daughter, Heidi, in the car asking her to think of "something fun to do" that day; a paper grocery sack is seen behind her head but it disappears as the conversation progresses.

Music by Clint Eastwood
Lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager
Produced by Michael Stevens
Performed by Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum appears courtesy of Universal Classics & Jazz, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited