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OK, let me say right off the bat that I really liked this movie, and the only thing holding me back from granting it a full price feature rating is the fact that I don't think a lot of people are going to appreciate it the way it should be appreciated. I also am not going to say much at all about the story, because it's full of pleasing surprises.
Zero Effect stars Bill Pullman (as the Zero of the title) and Ben Stiller, two odd choices for leading men, but effective ones here - both are perfect s the interesting characters writer/director Jake Kasdan has given them. |
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| Side note: Jake Kasdan, son of Lawrence, is a 22 yr. old with literally zero experience, not even a short film. Nepotism? Who knows, maybe - but if so, Lawrence has raised his boy right. The film is very slick for a first time effort, and my companions and I had a great time. The pacing is moderate but consistent and the story is interesting, but I admit I can't quantify it. |
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Pullman's character is a bizarre wacko genius private eye, whose public advocate is salesmanish charmer Stiller. Zero is kind of over the top, but we can forgive it since he's the very best at what he does. He's like Ted Kaczinsky channeling Sherlock Holmes. His character is revealed through two contrasting Stiller monologues, one to a client and one to a friend in a bar. |
| The mystery plot is interesting too, but we are kind of stuck waiting for Zero to tell is the clues (not being super geniuses and all); but it's still enjoyable! Ryan O'Neal is their client, and to tell the truth I didn't even recognize him as someone I am supposed to recognize; but he is all full of tricks as well. |
| Kim Dickens (witness? suspect? love interest?) is interesting too - she, like Pullman, is wacky and unknowable. The whole group is a tight little ensemble - I wonder if the script was written a long time ago by a guy who figured he would only have $7,000 to shoot the movie. Kasdan clearly had a decent budget for this one, and a good eye for intimate story telling. |
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I can't say much more, because to give it away would be a crime. It's very humorous, my companions and I had a great time, and it's interesting.
Sorry to be so brief, I'm trying to add a little mystery here! Check it out. I'd like to see what Jake's next project will be. |
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