Friday, January 15, 2021

Movie review: Stranger Than Fiction


 IRS auditor Harold Crick suddenly starts hearing a voice narrating his life. Even more disturbing; the voice is planning to kill him! As Harold attempts to understand what is happening and prevent his death he finds love, humanity, forgiveness and a host of other things.

Will Ferrel (Harold), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Ana), Emma Thompson (Karen), Dustin Hoffman (Hilbert), Queen Latifah (Penny), Tony Hale (Dave), Tom Hulce (Dr. Cayly), Linda Hunt (Dr. Leffler).

Stranger than Fiction begins with Harold's realization he is hearing a voice in his head which is narrating his life. Trying to understand what is happening he realizes the voice may be plotting his death! The voice begins affecting his entire life, including a newly discovered love interest.

I am not usually a Ferrel fan as I find most of his comedy overly simple and juvenile but I loved him as Harold in this movie. I was quite impressed that he could play a more serious role with class. Thompson also did a great job as the chain-smoking neurotic author, generating pity and sympathy almost in the same breath. Queen Latifah also did well as Penny Escher, Eiffel’s assistant, but I kept waiting for her to crack a joke or drop into slang talk throughout the movie. Gyllenhaal as Ana Pascal was the real star in my opinion. She was funny, cute, serious in parts and sexy as heck throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are simply done and fitting for the film setting. Action scenes are mild but good. Dialogue is interesting with a mix of drama and subtle comedy that at times feels a bit dry and emotionless. Sound and soundtrack are good.

Overall a mildly entertaining film with quality acting and camera work that delivers a humbling message of self-awareness without going over the top. Those who enjoy a solid drama with tidbits of comedy should enjoy this one.

With some sexuality, violence, gore, and foul language, all of which are mild, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2006
Reviewed: 3.3.08
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy, Dark Comedy

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

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