Wonder Boys

Review by Nonia Bidness

Pros: Good cast, many funny parts
Cons: a little dull, overdone and long

I am going to recommend this movie in the end, but I admit I am critical of it. It made its point about excess being excessive by having too much excess! Perhaps effective in getting the message across, but overdone.

I grew to like the main characters a lot but don't think the movie really developed them too well. I know that Grady loved Sarah and vice versa but only knew it because they said it, not because it looked or felt that way in the story.

There was a lot of great humor here, and an interesting if not too exciting, look at the life of a writer who is a long way from the last successful book and overdue on the next. There were a lot of statements about respect and teaching and learning and being yourself.

The acting was good. I think I enjoyed Michael Douglas more in this role than I have in other things he's done. Tobey Maguire is getting a little too familiar, but he did well with his part. I am excited to see Robert Downey Jr. back on screen and looking mature, always has been a good actor despite his troubles, which I hope are behind him.

Go see this, but expect it to be on the long side and not fast paced.

Bang for the Buck: Worth full-price to see it on the big screen
Movie Mood: Feel-good movie
Recommend to friends? Yes

Nonia Bidness March 6^th, 2000