Stranger than Fiction

Stranger than Fiction

This film has a very low-key Will Ferrell playing a boring IRS man that discovers that his has his own narration in the form of a female writer. During these narrations, he finds out he will end up dying at some point during his life story. Now, he has to live his life before his demise.

With a strange and fascinating concept, I found myself drawn to the movie’s story. While the individual scenes aren’t electrifying, the story at least takes time to tell itself. What would happen if Luke Sykwalker became aware that someone was telling his story? The movie never address why this writer has the power to change the course of people’s lives, but that would add another half hour to already slow movie. And, the slow pace of this movie will turn many people off. People going in to see a goofy Ferrell movie will be disappointed. This is a plus and minus in my mind.

Ferrell acting was restrained and something I enjoyed deeply. His interaction with his love interest was nice to see. Emma Thompson was pretty good as the writer, if a little on the annoying side. Dustin Hoffman as a professor was right on the money. He reminded me of some of my writing teachers I’ve had over the years. Yet with the good acting, the movie still felt half empty. There was something missing in this movie that kept it from being a great movie, and I am not certain what. Plus, I’m not convinced the upbeat ending was really necessary.

Grade CWill realizing his chair has grown wings...

______________________________________________

Lex Luthor standing next to Will.

____________________________________________

Lex Luthor: “Listen, Rain Man, I want to know how to defeat Superman!”

Rain Man: “Definitely wet my pants...”

____________________________________________________