What Just Happened (2008)

What Just Happened (2008)

I wanted to really enjoy this movie, but it felt a bit unfinished. It started out good, but it turned out rather boring. With the talented Barry Levinson, you would think the movie would turn out better.

Basically, it centers on Robert De Niro’s character, who is a major film producer, and how he handles the movies he's overseeing. He has to deal with studio heads and crazy directors.

There is a great deal to like about this movie. It is entertaining to watch the studio people, producers, and the director argue over final cuts and editing. And, one of the best scenes comes from the reaction from the test audience’s reaction to a dog’s death scene. Everything about that test screening is true.

The Bruce Willis scenes are funny. I love that Mr. Willis plays himself and he makes himself look like a complete a-hole.

The movie’s biggest weakness is Robert De Niro’s character’s love and personal life. We get bogged down in learning about his wife and children that it takes away from the far more entertaining aspects of his work. This turns the movie into an boring event.

Despite its flaws, there are some good things to take away from the movie. I just wish it would have been more witty and enjoyable.

Grade: C+