Reviews of Stranger Than Fiction

A masterpiece...

Posted : 4 months ago on 21 April 2008 10:11 (A review of Stranger Than Fiction)

"This is the story of Harold Crick..."

Stranger Than Fiction is a film that completely blew me away. Still minutes after concluding my screening I have tears wetting my eyes, goose-bumps covering my body and I am still trying to figure out what I have just experienced.

Before watching this movie I had only glanced at the film's theatrical poster and thus I had no clue as to the plot of the movie. I had no expectations at all and began watching the movie with absolutely no ideas what to expect. In all honesty I couldn't shake off the feeling that it was going to be another dumb Will Ferrell comedy during which he overacts to get some laughs.

But Stranger Than Fiction is none of that. Instead of a no-brainer comedy we are presented with a masterpiece; a heart-warming, touching comedy/drama that is pretty much unbeatable. If you're expecting another Anchorman or Talladega Nights then I suggest you go rent something else. But if you can look past Ferrell's type-cast performance and instead clear your head of all expectations then you will see what a genuinely outstanding film this truly is.

Stranger Than Fiction is filled with originality, fascinating characters and unpredictable twists. Not to mention the film is groundbreaking, innovative, thought-provoking and captivating. I doubt we will see any films of this stature for a very long time to come.

While watching the movie I enjoyed it a whole lot more without any conception of the plot of the movie. And because of this, I must recommend experiencing the movie without any pre-gained knowledge of the plot. I will just tell you that the film is the story of an IRS agent named Harold Crick (Ferrell) whose organised lifestyle is suddenly interrupted.

Stranger Than Fiction is an extraordinary tale that is engaging and enthralling from start to finish.

The first thing that I noticed was the way in which it was created; there's bright scenery, appealing actors, realistic setting and some catchy music to accompany this. The establishing few shots were enough to keep my attention throughout the whole movie.

Will Ferrell is a man I respect because of his overzealous comedy roles. Ferrell is outstanding in a drama such as this. The man is focused 100% and never breaks his concentration. He's deadpan, dedicated, and charming. Ferrell also had me in tears towards the end because of the poignancy of his performance and the way we could actually sympathise with him. Dustin Hoffman is another person one would hardly expect to find in a film such as this. But he is absolutely superb and lets his character live. Emma Thompson has never been like this before, and she will probably never be this good ever again. She seems concentrated on getting her character perfected. The supporting players are a very weird bunch of big names including Maggie Gyllenhaal and Queen Latifah.

Marc Foster was successfully able to set the atmosphere of this movie within the first five seconds. From that point on I couldn't take my eyes away from the screen. And of course Foster's direction was supported by the great music. I loved the music used in this film as it is catchy and it triggers your imagination.

Stranger Than Fiction is a lot better than I originally thought it would end up to be. The film is a masterpiece - pure and simple. I loved it and found it to be one of my favourite movies of 2006. Not to be missed.

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Hilarious Film.

Posted : 6 months ago on 21 February 2008 12:10 (A review of Stranger Than Fiction)

This is such a hilarious film. Will Ferrell, is always great, and he did not disappoint, in this film. This is a rather odd film, but odd, is not a bad thing. All of the humor, is great. The plot, is a little different, but it is hilarious, and extremely entertaining. This is one of Will Ferrell's, best films.

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Stranger Than Fiction review

Posted : 10 months ago on 22 October 2007 05:06 (A review of Stranger Than Fiction)

It's strange alright. It's been a few hours since I've watched it and I still can't figure out what to make of it (not as in confusion, just unsure how it made me feel). It's not that I didn't enjoy it but I think a part of me feels that not only was it pointless but at times that it was almost silly. In saying that, I'd still recommend it.

I've also come to expect Will Ferrell to do a certain quality of movie. Namely stupid, yet laughable, but on the verge of sheer annoyance & not being funny at the same time. If that's what you're expecting from this film you'll be extremely surprised. It's nothing like that, in fact I wouldn't even call it a straight out comedy as such but more of a black comedy/drama.
Another thing is how it's expected of the main character to die for a book. For a book. I found that a bit ludicrous actually. The acting was pretty well done though and I have to say I'm not going to forget the movie any time soon even if I'm still unsure about it.

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Fantastic

Posted : 11 months, 1 week ago on 15 September 2007 08:10 (A review of Stranger Than Fiction)

I really liked this movie!
I was surprised, just from looking at it and reading the blurb it seems like its going to be a dull, boring movie! but its not, infact, its the complete opposite!

Ok, so this movie is pretty hard to follow in my oppinion. I'll just say basically what its about.
So the movie is all about a man called Harrold Crick. He is ... well ... a normal guy i guess. Until he starts hearing his life narrated by an unfamiliar female voice. First he doesnt think much of it, but it keeps happening everytime he does ... something!
He soon discovers the secrets of his life from the voice and finds out about his eventual death ... so Harrlod Crick has to find the narrator (the author) before its too late and the story is finished.

Will Ferrel was just pretty much himself in this movie, and in my oppinion he was exactly the perfect person to be Harrlod Crick.
Emma Thompson was great. I never really knew who she was before this movie, but seriously she is great and ill look foward to seeing other movies with her. Great voice for the narrating.
Other stand out performances by Dustin Hoffman (perfect for his role) and i guess Queen Latifa aswell.
One bad thing/person about the acting in this movie is Maggie Gyllenhall. I dont know who she is but i dont want to. One movie with her is enough for me. Very poor acting by her in my opinion.

If not for her and a few other minor things this movie would have got 5 stars... thus the 4 1/2.
Its funny, entertaining, romantic and full of drama. A must see movie and i sure would love to see it again sometime!

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Stranger Than Fiction review

Posted : 1 year ago on 11 August 2007 12:10 (A review of Stranger Than Fiction)

There's a danger in marketing a movie as a comedy when it really isn't as it often affects expectations (and therefore the liking or disliking of the film). Despite the trailers, I had suspected before watching this that it was more of a drama than anything else. I thought the movie was absolutely wonderful and Will Ferell was impressive, as was Emma Thompson as the frustrated author. I'd definitely recommend watching it.

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Brilliant

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 29 April 2007 02:04 (A review of Stranger Than Fiction)

Like all of the recent great comedy actors, Will Ferrell took this role to showcase his talent as a true actor. What was Eternal Sunshine for Jim Carey and Punch Drunk Love for Adam Sandler, Stranger than Fiction followed suit for Ferrell with this light hearted drama. Will Ferrell is brilliant in his role as a quirky character living his life unsuspectingly inside a novel. His role opposite Maggie Gyllenhaal is nothing less than brilliant.

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Loved it!

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 16 March 2007 01:40 (A review of Stranger Than Fiction)

If you love Charlie Kaufman scripts such as Being John Malkovich or Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Mind, you'll absolutely love this quirky dramady style film. Just don't go in expecting a typical Will Ferrell comedy. Heck, don't go in expecting any comedy at all, although there's several great funny scenes. The part where he finds out he is going to die (don't worry, its not a plot spoiler, it happens early on and is primary focus of the whole film) had me in stitches. Ferrell's acting was a grand slam in this one.

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If somebody told you what would happen t

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 15 March 2007 10:54 (A review of Stranger Than Fiction)

would you try to change it or would you let it ride? Will Ferrell is not his usual zany self, but he is good in this role. Emma Thompson rocks out as usual as the "author" of Will's fate. I really liked this movie and you will too, when you watch it. How do I know you'll watch it? Maybe I'm the author of your fate, muuahahahahaha....

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Great date movie

Posted : 1 year, 9 months ago on 23 November 2006 03:25 (A review of Stranger Than Fiction)

I love going to see a movie with a twist or a new and original way to tell the same old story line. This movie is a romantic comedy but is very original and fun to watch. I've enjoyed a lot of Will Ferrell's movies but sometimes his acting is too over the top for my taste. In this movie, his character is really subdued and calm throughout most of the movie. This really makes the film work well in contrast to Emma Thompson's character which is struggling to figure out what to do with her life and writing. The pacing of the movie is well done as you wait with anticipation to find out what is going to happen with the ending of the book and the movie. This is a movie that I would reccomend watching on the silver screen with a date. It is a very touching and humorous movie. You won't feel like you were cheated out of your money when you leave the theater. Don't be surprised if you hear people talking about this one in the lunch room at work.

Flash

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