You may not like the film on first viewing, but you'd grow to love it. It's a quiet, perturbed little piece of gem - not quite little really: there's the cast of Michael Douglas, Frances McDormand, Robert Downey, Jr., with Tobey Maguire and Katie Holmes. It's actually quite a mature kind of film - definitely dramatic, almost melodramatic in a sneaking up to you sort of way. And with songs from Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, a nostalgic Rogers and Hart tune, an unexpected reminiscing Neil Young voice singing "Old Man"
it's a well-written and brilliantly directed piece of work. You can tell director Curtis Hanson truly loved the script and delivered the film with assured enthusiasm.
It may seem like another story about infidelity and obsession, but be not fooled by the appearance of things. It's actually full of humor - a wry sort of humor at times. All round nuanced performances from a wonderful ensemble cast. You'd never seen Douglas in such disheveled predicaments as Grady Tripp the professor in distress. McDormand is simply precious, measuring up to the 'boys' - what a sharp performance as (Sara) dean Gaskell caught in the middle of it all. Maguire, once again, is made for the role of young James Leer to perfection, and Holmes (previously worked with Tobey in "Ice Storm, The" 1997) as Hannah Green is no light role. Robert Downey, Jr. is Terry Crabtree, Grady's book publishing agent; he is a rare treat here: a subtle brief raise of his eyebrow, a slight movement of his body language, or a change in diction or into a whisper - they're tiny gestures yet add flavorful spice to this film venture. (May he grace us with more opportunities to watch him and appreciate his talent.)
There's a short appearance by Jane Adams (from Todd Solondz "Happiness" 1998) as Oola, playing opposite Richard Knox as Vernon. A scene with a glorious show of flying, dancing pages of paper... A brief legend of a Marilyn Monroe jacket. Yes, little perks of detail scattered here and there - quirky to some, helpful clues to others. It will be an enjoyable time for all who appreciate the "Wonder Boys" - literally, it's the embodiment by all three male characters: Douglas, Maguire, and Downey, Jr. And McDormand's character kept it all in balance.
Give "Wonder Boys" a try. You just might have a good time with it.
It may seem like another story about infidelity and obsession, but be not fooled by the appearance of things. It's actually full of humor - a wry sort of humor at times. All round nuanced performances from a wonderful ensemble cast. You'd never seen Douglas in such disheveled predicaments as Grady Tripp the professor in distress. McDormand is simply precious, measuring up to the 'boys' - what a sharp performance as (Sara) dean Gaskell caught in the middle of it all. Maguire, once again, is made for the role of young James Leer to perfection, and Holmes (previously worked with Tobey in "Ice Storm, The" 1997) as Hannah Green is no light role. Robert Downey, Jr. is Terry Crabtree, Grady's book publishing agent; he is a rare treat here: a subtle brief raise of his eyebrow, a slight movement of his body language, or a change in diction or into a whisper - they're tiny gestures yet add flavorful spice to this film venture. (May he grace us with more opportunities to watch him and appreciate his talent.)
There's a short appearance by Jane Adams (from Todd Solondz "Happiness" 1998) as Oola, playing opposite Richard Knox as Vernon. A scene with a glorious show of flying, dancing pages of paper... A brief legend of a Marilyn Monroe jacket. Yes, little perks of detail scattered here and there - quirky to some, helpful clues to others. It will be an enjoyable time for all who appreciate the "Wonder Boys" - literally, it's the embodiment by all three male characters: Douglas, Maguire, and Downey, Jr. And McDormand's character kept it all in balance.
Give "Wonder Boys" a try. You just might have a good time with it.