Brilliant, and truly original.

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2004)

A struggling puppeteer, Craig (Cusack), and his animal-obsessed wife (Diaz) become mesmerized by the discovery of a portal into the mind and body of John Malkovich, which is found in the office at Craig's new job. Craziness and weird situations ensue.
Possible Spoilers herein: (but if I do, they won't be too revealing)
This movie is another great example of how Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman can pump out some truly original films not typical of today's regurgitation-style film-making. I decided to watch this film after thoroughly enjoying Adaptation. Cusack and Diaz show off their acting skills in this movie, which was a surprise for me because I typically don't like the movies they both choose to be in. John Malkovich was cast perfectly as the host to which a portal to his mind exists. He's a weird guy, so it fits perfectly.
The idea that there is a portal out there in which you can experience being someone else is truly awesome, and makes a great premise for a movie. I also like how the portal dumps it's occupants on the side of the road on the New Jersey turnpike when the ride is over. Kaufman seems to have a knack for making quirky but wholly original films and is why I can't wait for their next project.
This movie has it all, comedy, romance, reality, fantasy and fun. The jokes in this movie are executed beautifully and made me laugh out loud several times. I love almost everything about this movie, the actors, the screenplay, the comedy and fantasy, and the ending. Ahhhh. Catherine Keener is also great in this film as Maxine, and man is she sexy! It was no surprise when both Craig and his wife wanted to get with her, and pined over her. I loved her character in the movie, even if she was an evil floozy.
My only qualm with the movie was trying to figure out why all of those old people would want to go into Malkovich at once and share his mind and body. Personally, I'd rather just die. I think the movie could've done with them, but that's just me. Other than that, it's perfect. 9/10.