DALLAS, Apr 23, 2004/ FW/ --- Those of us who has ever lived in an apartment already knows the trials and tribulations of living in close quarters. Try this one for size – a duplex with a demanding old lady as a neighbor.

Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore play a young New York couple who bought their ‘dream house’ in Brooklyn. It was spacious and quiet, perfect for Ben Stiller’s budding career as a writer whose second novel is due in two weeks.

Never mind that their ‘dream house’ has an unwanted guest, a little old lady who seemed to be getting sick renting the other half of the duplex that is rent controlled so they cannot evict her.

And never mind that they have to play landlord to their ‘neighbor,’ a role that they had never played before in their lives. After all, she’s just a little old lady, and will not be much trouble, right? Yeah, right.

The little old lady started making ‘little demands’ and the ‘dream house’ became a duplex from hell. The audience is treated to frustrating yet funny incidents as Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore catered to their tenant’s demands.

And as the frustration level goes higher, so does the laughter. Drew Barrymore and Ben Stiller were perfect cast for this movie, as they played ‘straight guy’ to Eileen Essell.

Scene after scene, the audience sees Drew Barrymore and Ben Stiller ‘losing’ to the little old lady. I don’t know which is more hilarious – losing to the little old lady or being frustrated to the point of going to extreme measures.

There’s a surprise ending that everyone will enjoy.