Carl's Movie Mini-Review: Strange Than Fiction
Stranger Then Fiction
I'm no fan of Will Ferrell. But he does have his moments, like in his voice-over roles in The Oblongs and Curious George. His "dramatic turn" in Woody Allen's "Melinda, Melinda" didn't seem any different than his normal schtick. Unfortunately, though he plays a more somber role in "Stranger Than Fiction," the performance remains one-note. He's in Dullsville the whole time without variation, it seems--always speaking in soft, unconfident whispers. The physical acting is very good, however.
"I brought you flours" was adorable.
Of course Maggie Gyllenhaal is always adorable, and always reliable to bring her whole game to whatever role she's in. Right at the top of my best of "young Hollywood." Emma Thompson presents a nuanced, enjoyable-to-watch character; almost a much more physical role than you'd expect. Dustin Hoffman seems to have just dialed it in for this role, but it works just fine. I think, though, that playing it any way else might have ventured into the improper realm of schtick. Queen Latifah was completely disposable.
What surprised me most about the film was the ridiculous amount of thought and care put into production. The locations chosen are all architecturally vibrant and unique; colors and textures are rich; lighting and composition are paid great mind. Surprisingly graphic/effect heavy. Since it was a Columbia picture, the high-def format of choice is Blu-Ray, and for some reason or another, I felt that this was a priority BD disc to buy if I ever bought into the format. Having watched it, it's now confirmed. The movie is highly visualized, and I'm sure that it would only be magnified with greater clarity and depth.
I greatly enjoyed this film. It's regrettable that I couldn't make time to see it in the theaters. Highest recommendations.
I'm no fan of Will Ferrell. But he does have his moments, like in his voice-over roles in The Oblongs and Curious George. His "dramatic turn" in Woody Allen's "Melinda, Melinda" didn't seem any different than his normal schtick. Unfortunately, though he plays a more somber role in "Stranger Than Fiction," the performance remains one-note. He's in Dullsville the whole time without variation, it seems--always speaking in soft, unconfident whispers. The physical acting is very good, however.
"I brought you flours" was adorable.
Of course Maggie Gyllenhaal is always adorable, and always reliable to bring her whole game to whatever role she's in. Right at the top of my best of "young Hollywood." Emma Thompson presents a nuanced, enjoyable-to-watch character; almost a much more physical role than you'd expect. Dustin Hoffman seems to have just dialed it in for this role, but it works just fine. I think, though, that playing it any way else might have ventured into the improper realm of schtick. Queen Latifah was completely disposable.
What surprised me most about the film was the ridiculous amount of thought and care put into production. The locations chosen are all architecturally vibrant and unique; colors and textures are rich; lighting and composition are paid great mind. Surprisingly graphic/effect heavy. Since it was a Columbia picture, the high-def format of choice is Blu-Ray, and for some reason or another, I felt that this was a priority BD disc to buy if I ever bought into the format. Having watched it, it's now confirmed. The movie is highly visualized, and I'm sure that it would only be magnified with greater clarity and depth.
I greatly enjoyed this film. It's regrettable that I couldn't make time to see it in the theaters. Highest recommendations.