I had no idea what to expect when I rented this DVD. It looked quite interesting on the trailer so it was a, "Why not?" sort of a rent. And I loved it. I absolutely loved every aspect of this movie. The script was so clever I was savoring every dialogue. The casting was perfect down to the t. Nobody could have played Emma Thompson's character like she did. There's a scene where she talks about a fantastically depressing book that she'd read while researching death...haha~ who else could deliver such a line? Nobody could have played Dustin Hoffman's character - a college professor and the only person who actually believes and tries to help out Will Farrell's character who claims he hears his life being narrated by a woman. The process that he goes through to help out Will's character is ridiculous yet so logical. Get this. Since Will is in some sort of literature (or so he says) Dustin uses his literary expertise to help figure out the genre of the literature thus figuring out how his story/life will unfold. That is ingenious writing at its best, wouldn't you say? I love that Will Farrell plays Harold, the main character, in this. He's known more for his obnoxious comedy but I think this kind of role really suits him. I think he possesses a unique vulnerability that makes him so likable and perfect for this particular role. The comedic inserts throughout the film isn't the kind where you laugh out loud. It's the subtle kind where you just smile and go 'dang, that was a clever line!' I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a good play with words. Let me just say that I'm now the proud owner of this DVD.
"See it"
2009-10-16
- Reviewed By User: A2XZJV41ZSBJMH
This is actually now my favorite movie of all time, I enjoy the theme of changing one's life and the actions that occur as a result. Will Ferrel is usually not who i'd expect to be rooting for, but I was - an impressive movie and a total sleeper hit.
Nor did anything in this film stir me to a laugh or a shaft of light, much less to a state of tension over its outcome.While the script was not focused on a new idea, films need not have new ideas to be entertaining, what they need is entertainment. Despite the talent of the performers, there was little they could do with the sodden script. Frankly, it would be unseemly further to beat this unpretentious effort. If you are stuck with watching it, there is nothing painful in doing so.
"Funny and Well Done"
2009-09-21
- Reviewed By User: A22RY8N8CNDF3A
This is a story about Harold (Will Ferrell), an IRS agent that is obsessive compulsive in every aspect of his life.
Harold has a watch that he depends on to control every waking minute of his life. Everything about Harold is predictable. One morning he wakes up to his watch and brushes his teeth the usual 38 strokes up and 38 strokes sideways. He suddenly hears a woman's voice narrating what he is doing. This is very disconcerting to someone like Harold, or anyone for that matter. Everything he does is narrated by a voice only he can hear. The voice states that he is facing imminent death so he goes to a psychiatrist who recommends a literary writer Jules Hilbert (Dustin Hoffman) on what to do. Jules suggests to do something unexpected - like tell a baker he is auditing that he would like to start dating her. The baker Ana (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is cute, bubbly and strong-willed, but falls for Harold. This is to be a surprise to the "voice" narrating his life - and cause a different ending. Harold begins to have fun and enjoy life and feels he cannot die young. But then he finds the author, Karen Eiffel (Emma Thompson). He learns her books always have an ending where the central character dies at the happiest moment of his life.
The movie is entertaining and funny - a good story about life, death and the tax man.
"Strange but Good Fiction"
2009-09-04
- Reviewed By User: A2H3JURQZOHVMB
My husband and I had the blessing to watch it because of his subscription to Netflix. What I enjoyed about the movie was that Will Ferrell's story and life was being created by an author who had at first is unaware that her character is actually a real life human being. The author in this story is played by Emma Thompson. The author's assistant is played by Queen Latifah. Both Emma Thompson and Queen Latifah play a convincing duo that learn how to work with as well as understand each other harmoniously. The chemistry being Maggie Gyllenhaal's character and Will Ferrell's is amazing as well. Dustin Hoffman plays a convincing lover of stories who helpfully tries to determine the root cause of Will Ferrell's concern at finding out the voice that he is hearing. If you like the idea of a person being aware that his story is being created by a force other than himself then do yourself a favor and watch it. In conclusion, this is a wonderful Will Ferrell movie that showcases his fine acting skills.
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Expedited Available
"Wonderful"
"Nothing Actually Unpleasant in this Film"