Stranger Than Fiction
Sunday afternoons are for movies with my mom. (Everyone together now: Awwwww). And I especially like it when I see a movie that makes my little heart sing.
So let us speak of Stranger Than Fiction. You’ve got Will Ferrell giving the best low-key, true-to-life performance I’ve ever seen from him (like Adam Sandler in Spanglish–a chance to really appreciate his skills as an actor). He makes you want to hug him, slap him on the back, feed him cookies, be his friend. And Maggie Gyllenhaal is luminous. This is how we want to see her–smiling and fresh and hopeful–not drugged-out and skeevy like in Sherry Baby.
The storyline in Stranger Than Fiction is creative and surprising, and will make you happy you just spent two hours living in that world. I’m sure you’ve seen the trailers by now or have at least some idea what it’s about. I’m not going to tell you anything beyond that. Except that Dustin Hoffman has some mighty disgusting habits.
I’ve gotten very grumpy and picky about my movies in recent times. I have one chance each week to see something that will lift me in some way–either by making me laugh or by showing me clever writing and acting that teaches me how to do my own writing job better. This one cuts it, in both categories.
Enjoy.
[tags]Stranger Than Fiction, Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Film Reviews[tags]
November 12th, 2006 at 4:57 pm
Ooh, like Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura!!!
I love it when those comedic actors branch out.
November 12th, 2006 at 10:54 pm
STRANGER THAN FICTION WAS SOOOO GOOD!!! I loved the ending! It’s like the only time I’ve ever seen something so trite pulled off so well!!
p.s. Did you notice what good shape Dustin Hoffman is in? The shot only lasted a couple seconds, but still, he looks damn good for being almost 70.
November 13th, 2006 at 7:48 am
Yeah, Lizzie, I agree about Dustin. But he also drove me crazy in that movie because of all the weird personal habits he gave his character. I kept having to pause to “eww.”
But I’m glad to hear you loved the flick. Based on some of your comments about other movies, I know what a demanding viewer/critic you can be.
November 13th, 2006 at 8:24 am
Every single scene with Hoffman was pure gold. And I did enjoy Emma’s justification at the end for what she did [ed.: spoiler removed].
Also, I was hypnotized by Maggie Gyllenhall’s tattoo. Not really an ink kinda guy, but that was a great character detail. (Though I think I would not patronize a bakery such as hers, where the baker very publicly sucks her own finger while baking…)
November 13th, 2006 at 8:54 am
Glad you mentioned that finger-sucking thing. Guhross.
November 13th, 2006 at 9:57 am
I’ve heard alot about Stranger Than Fiction but wasn’t sure if it was just a gimmicky flick or not. Glad to see that you liked it,Robin. I like it when Dustin Hoffman does an off the wall supporting role;did you ever watch I Heart Huckabees?
He and Lily Tomlin do some great teamwork there.
November 13th, 2006 at 10:06 am
Lady T, I totally agree with you!
I ♥ Huckabees is one of the best movies of the past 10 years!!!