Masterful Movie

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Stranger than Fiction is a good film with a quirky synopsis. An auditor suddenly finds a female narrating his every move. After getting accustomed to it he is given a jolting prediction- that he is soon to die, which understandably freaks him out. Trying to make sense he goes around to people which form the body of the film. This is a thought provoking movie with a fine turn by Will Ferrell as the lead who hears his life narration- an uncharacteristic foray into serious acting by the comedian. Emma Thomson lends her lush voice as the narrator. For an offbeat film with a soul you cannot go wrong with Stranger than Fiction.

Stranger Than Fiction is a great movie with a well developed plot and a terrific cast that balance comedy and drama nicely. It is a very off the cuff film that is unlike any other, as we follow a man gradually discovering that he is actually a character in a novel and his creator is struggling to conclude his journey. It reminded me of the Looney Tunes cartoon Duck Amuck, as Harold Crick interacts and struggles to discover the force that is Karen, and we get taken in to a topsy turvy world that will leave us both entertained and confused. It did bother me that the film left me with more questions than answers, there are a lot of head scratching moments that leave me quite baffled, such as Harold being able to visit Karen's office, it is never made entirely clear how this world actually works. As well as that, the mix of comedy and drama makes the film a little underwhelming, as it is never too funny, nor ever too dramatic, since it is trying to do two things, it never does either very effectively. The cast is all around tremendous, Will Ferrell delivers a role completely unlike any of his previous work, playing a character that is funny, but not in his typical eccentric way, and his characterisation in the part is immensely enjoyable. He is also joined by the marvellous Emma Thompson, who plays a very complicated role, Maggie Gyllenhaal, who has great, pure chemistry with Ferrell, and Dustin Hoffman, who brings in subtlety and laughter. Entertaining while it lasts. Stranger Than Fiction is not as incredibly unique as it may think it is, but it is great fun that I would recommend to anybody looking for a good comedy drama. Average man Harold Crick learns that he may soon meet his destiny when he begins hearing a woman narrate his life. Best Performance: Will Ferrell

Multiple viewers have stated that they turned-off the movie after the first 30 minutes, the second 30 minutes is where characters start to shine. We really need to get to the third act, that is where the meat is and the actors shine in their roles. I have watched and re- watched this movie over the years since release (sometimes starting at minute 24, the entrance of Dustin Hoffmans character).It was ahead of its time with the integration of H.U.D.-like CGI elements to explain our main character's inner monologue.Will Ferrel is evocative as becomes Harold Crick. The relationships in no way feel forced for developing in under two hours, the characters are real, as are the emotions they feel for us by the actors.Give the movie a chance it should not disappoint.*And its a got a great soundtrack that adds to without distracting from the movie.

I enjoy this film a great deal. It speaks to my sense of awkwardness in a way very few films have managed. The characters are well drawn and extremely lovable, you cannot help but appreciate them as real people. I particularly enjoy the contrast between Harold (Farel) and the narrator.I have seen it quite a few times now and I intend to see it many more.