Title: Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Cast: Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Queen Latifah, Linda Hunt, etc.

Director: Marc Forster

Synopsis: The main character, Harold Crick (Will Ferrell), who is an IRS auditor lives his life the same everyday, according to his wrist watch. After he starts hearing author Karen Eiffel’s (Emma Thompson) voice in his head, narrating certain instances in his life, he is informed by this voice that his fate will lead to his unavoidable death. After attempting to change the course of his life, he sets out to find Ms. Eiffel to change the outcome of the story. Along the way, he finds a life that is filled with finer things, including a romance.

Review:

To start off, I must say that I very much enjoy this cast. Given that Will Ferrell is notorious for playing more silly, light-hearted characters, it was nice to see him play that part of someone in a very heavy situation. There were still moments that showed a bit of his more satirical side in this film, which I highly noticed and appreciated. Overall, the actors seemed to fit their characters and played their part.

The one main critic I have for a character in this film surrounds around Dustin Hoffman’s character, Professor Jules. My issue doesn’t have to do with delivery of lines or body language, etc. It has to do with the way he drinks his coffee. Yes, it may sound ridiculous, but this is the only thing throughout the movie that became unbearable to me. First of all, It is so blatantly obvious that there is no coffee in the cup with the fake slurping noise that he makes. I feel this could have been acted out better. Secondly, the slurping was annoying and over played. Maybe it’s just me, but I cannot stand slurping and it was just unnecessary in my opinion.

Also, with Queen Latifah’s character, Penny Escher, I feel that movie did not elaborate on her enough. To me, her purpose seemed lost, like there was just an extra character needed. I feel there could’ve been higher emphasis on who she is and how she contributed to the outcome of the movie.

As far as the storyline goes, I enjoyed this movie from start to end. There were so many moments that had me on edge and I was clueless as to what was going to happen. It was the perfect ratio of comedic feeling and a heavy, dark feeling. I also loved the fact that while the movie is unrealistic, it still portrayed lessons to be taken seriously in real life. For example: living life how you want to live it; be happy.

All in all, this is a great movie for a wide range of ages to enjoy. If you’re into a suspenseful drama with a hint of comedic relief, you will most likely love this movie.