I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

For the last few years I have been watching lots of shows from other countries. I am so bored with Hollywood's dreadful sitcoms with those horrible laugh tracks, stereotype characters and story lines. For every Modern Family, there is 100 crap shows. Anyway- I am impressed with Step Dave. They managed to address real life topics, dating, age, work, divorce, love, kids, with humor but they do not go for cheap laughs. The writers actually write real life situations. Topics and things that my friends and I have dealt with. Dating younger guys, kids, divorce, Grandparents, and friends. I like the cast. I think they are talented and a good ensemble. I am not crazy about the mean sister character and her husband, they could do with less time and story, Dave's jerky roommate is annoying and shallow, but overall the show works. The only thing that drives me mad about NZ/Australia shows is it seems like they do not give shows much of a chance. Update: the show is getting even better as it goes on. I am very impressed with the relationships and how this show presents things. I hope they get a second season! Update-They got a second season! I am so glad. I really like this show. Update: It made it to 3 seasons and it just got better. I am so bummed they canceled it.