I checked out a little about this movie before I rented it and the first thing I noticed was that Roger Ebert had given it zero stars. Zero stars. Needless to say, Mr. Ebert did not hit his mark this time. Let me see...for example, he gave "Sleepover" and "A Cinderella Story" more than this. Now, I agree with his taste in films most of the time, but I must ask--Are you feeling well, Mr. Ebert?
However, he does have some points in his review of the film. It seems like it would do better as a play. But did it really bomb as a move? Hardly. I liked the movie very much and I know that many others did as well. However, I think I can understand and explain why it will not appeal to everyone. First, the plusses.
The roles are well-played for the most part. Richard Dreyfuss did indeed, as Roger Ebert said in his review, steal many scenes. However, I do not think this was detrimental to the extent that Mr. Ebert makes it sound. If anyone knows what is going on, Dreyfuss's character does. It is no surprise he can add a little spice and mystery to the confused main character's lives. The characters of Oldman and Roth are quirky and the dialogue amusing as well. Both did a good job, not that we'd expect less from them. It was light enough to make me laugh, but held meaning enough to keep me interested.
Why one may not like this movie as much is if one is looking for something very serious, something with exceptional plot structure and a very concrete plot.
If you like things to make sense and to be a bit more clear-cut in your movies, please don't bother with this for you'll only come here and complain and make it look bad. But if you're one who rather likes something a bit more bizarre with a touch of fantasy and humor, then give this light-hearted, but naggingly serious film a try.
However, he does have some points in his review of the film. It seems like it would do better as a play. But did it really bomb as a move? Hardly. I liked the movie very much and I know that many others did as well. However, I think I can understand and explain why it will not appeal to everyone. First, the plusses.
The roles are well-played for the most part. Richard Dreyfuss did indeed, as Roger Ebert said in his review, steal many scenes. However, I do not think this was detrimental to the extent that Mr. Ebert makes it sound. If anyone knows what is going on, Dreyfuss's character does. It is no surprise he can add a little spice and mystery to the confused main character's lives. The characters of Oldman and Roth are quirky and the dialogue amusing as well. Both did a good job, not that we'd expect less from them. It was light enough to make me laugh, but held meaning enough to keep me interested.
Why one may not like this movie as much is if one is looking for something very serious, something with exceptional plot structure and a very concrete plot.
If you like things to make sense and to be a bit more clear-cut in your movies, please don't bother with this for you'll only come here and complain and make it look bad. But if you're one who rather likes something a bit more bizarre with a touch of fantasy and humor, then give this light-hearted, but naggingly serious film a try.
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