Jason Bateman and Tina Fey Sit Shiva in Trailer for 'This Is Where I Leave You'

An adaptation of Jonthan Tropper's novel This Is Where I Leave You has been one of the more heralded projects around Hollywood, drawing top flight directors and stars interested in being a part of it. At the forefront of its development was Jason Bateman, and when he and then-director Adam Shankman dropped out it looked like the film was dead. But Bateman returned, brought on Shawn Levy to replace Shankman, and rounded up a stellar cast for a film looks like just another bland family dramedy. What was all the fuss about?

The first trailer for This Is Where I Leave You features mismatched personalities, moments of family bonding and deep resentment all under one roof. The story follows a dysfunctional family reunited after the death of their patriarch, whose final wish was to have them sit Shiva for one week. Basically it means they're all stuck with one another for a few days so that any grievances are bound to be aired out.

While this looks about as formulaic as possible, having Bateman alongside Jane Fonda, Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, Rose Byrne, Adam Driver, Kathryn Hahn, Corey Stoll, Connie Britton, Ben Schwartz, Timothy Olyphant, Abigail Spencer and Dax Shepard goes a very long way. Still, this looks like a kinder, gentler August: Osage County. This Is Where I Leave You opens September 12th.