Review

Review Date: 12-November-06
Spoiler Rating: Medium
Juju Judgment: Juicy

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

There are plenty of examples in fiction and real life of people having a near-death experience and rejuvenating their lives because of it. "Stranger Than Fiction" takes this story and gives it a twist. Its protagonist, Harold Crick (Will Ferrell), begins the rejuvenation process before an actual brush with death because he miraculously knows it's coming. He wakes up one morning to hear a British woman's voice describing his life as if it were a book. The voice mostly details his routine as a lonely IRS agent, but it also makes mention of his imminent demise. With this hanging over his head, Harold tries to discover the voice's origin and change his fate, and he works up enough gumption to make love to an outspoken woman (Maggie Gyllenhaal) whose bakery he's sent to audit.

In addition to the supernatural device — the voice represents the output of an author (Emma Thompson) who always kills off her characters — "Stranger Than Fiction" has a gentle nature that might also constitute a twist. That is, it doesn't go overboard as so many movies do. The picture is essentially a comedy, but its humor is subtle and matures as the tale unfolds. It's driven by the characters, whose quirks don't squelch their appeal. It stems from things like the deadpan practicality of a literature professor to whom Harold turns for counsel (Dustin Hoffman) and Harold's own quiet attachment to his unexceptional existence.

This means, of course, that the success of the movie relies heavily upon its cast. Harold Crick is a departure for the usually hammy Ferrell, and he beautifully holds his own in the lead. (Not an easy role, either, the dull accountant whom the audience must care about or all else fails.) He and Hoffman are offset by a trio of diverse, powerful women: Gyllenhaal, who starts abrasively but settles into winsomely sweet (what's not to love about someone who bakes cookies?); Thompson, who takes a smallish part and imbues it with meaning; and Queen Latifah, who plays Thompson's assistant and gadfly. I'm not exactly sure what Latifah's character brings to the show, but her handsome face is always a welcome sight. Indeed, the very combination of all these actors is enjoyable.

People going to see "Stranger Than Fiction" expecting a Will Ferrell movie or the type of slapstick suggested by the trailer will probably be disappointed. But those who appreciate a more understated comedy with a carpe diem message should find it a novel pleasure. (Ooh, sorry about that.)

Copyright © 2006 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.