Thursday, November 20, 2008

Wil Ferrell really can act...that is Stranger than Fiction!

I know I'm late to the party on this, but last night w and I watched Stranger Than Fiction, a movie that came out in 2006. Now I have to admit any movie starring Will Ferrell automatically gets the glance of skepticism. But I remembered some good reviews, and our friends D/K said it was their favorite movie of the year. K happens to also provide me a perfect martini whenever I am fortunate enough to dine at their house, so I figured if I can't trust my bartender, who can I trust? Plus this was directed by Marc Forster, whose resumé includes The Kite Runner, Monster's Ball, and another of my all time favorites, Finding Neverland (Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet together...need I say more?). Plus he's also directing the new Bond film Quantum of Solace. And about Will Ferrell? He actually acts in this movie....and not like an idiot. He gives a tremendously controlled performance, and the story is a wonderful, semi-dark but ultimately rewarding trip. Also starring is Emma Thompson, one of the most gifted and beautiful women in movies who also doesn't mind making herself look her worst (have you seen her TV movie Wit, out on DVD....amazing!), turning in another stellar performance. We both raved, and if you haven't seen it, do! I'd love to know what you think...or thought...of it.

5 comments:

Sarah said...

Stranger Than Fiction was really underappreciated when it first came out. Still is, actually. In addition to Ferrell's surprisingly vulnerable turn, the movie has some well-written dialogue. One of my favorite scenes takes place when Ferrell's character comes to Maggie G's bakery to audit her books. She tells him that she's an anarchist, and he explains that she can't just decide not to pay her taxes; if she does that, she'll be audited. She says, "Only if I recognize your right to audit me, Mr. Crick." Deadpan, Ferrell's character replies, "Ms. Pascal, I'm right here, auditing you." Love this movie!

bb said...

sarah....the dialogue in that whole scene was wonderful. he and maggie g had a great chemistry. i also loved how they filmed the scene in the articulated bus, where his character is weaving back and forth while they talked. so well done!

Anonymous said...

Maggie G is the ideal to which all tattoed anarchist hipster chicks should aspire.

bb said...

marko- would that all tatted-up hipster chicks looked like that the world would truly be a better place

Lisa said...

I totally agree with you about this movie and have been blogging about it myself in the past few weeks. I usually won't watch a Will Ferrell movie but I saw a preview for this one and was intrigued. I love the lines about Bavarian Sugar Cookies and Pancakes.