Yep, the wonderful Jennifer Lawrence has a small but memorable role in this movie.
I can see the similarity to Blue Valentine, but I liked that movie a whole lot more. There was more at stake for the couple in Blue Valentine. I was annoyed with the lead female character (though the actress gave a great performance). I didn't think the deserved to be together and wasn't really rooting for them to succeed. Jennifer was WAY too good for the guy and although the secondary male lead was slightly annoying, he was a good catch. I get that they would self destruct if they weren't together, but they both had really good situations.
Plus they way she overstayed her visa was so stupid.
Did you find him much more sympathic than her?
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!