Stranger Than Fiction Reviews

I already saw this movie but since it was a while back and since I have it on DVD, I was quite eager to check it out again. To be honest, it has been a while since Marc Forster has delivered something really impressive. Indeed, 'Quantum of Solace' was destroyed by the critics and mostly hated by the viewers, 'Machine Gun Preacher' was barely seen and rather disappointing, and even though 'World War Z' eventually turned out to be a box-office hit, this movie had to face some major production issues. Anyway, there was a time when everything he did was actually quite amazing and this movie was one of those. I know, a really good movie starring Will Ferrel sounds nowadays impossible and even though he had some major box-office success, none of his movies really impressed me so far. However, this flick is the one exception. Indeed, it is an interesting satire mixing Ferrel's humor with some metaphysical elements and it worked very well as the whole thing was really funny, thoughtfull and not as shallow as any other Ferrell's comedy. I have been following Marc Forster for quite a while now and it was yet another amazing feature under his résumé. Furthermore, there was a nice cast (Will Ferrel, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Queen Latifah) and they all gave some really solid performances. To conclude, I really enjoyed this flick, it is in my opinion easily the best movie starring  Will Ferrel and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you are getting tired of his usual moronic comedies.

"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.

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.

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!