Characterizations vs. Plot: This One's a Winner

Rating: 9/10 (3 January 2005)

With the exception of two of the stories, I thought the characterizations were fantastic and the stark black and white visual representation of a stark coffee and cigarettes existence between characters equally as contrasting is brilliance at its best. Of course, there will be a number of people who "don't get it" because it is not formulaic Hollywood, but for those of us who have tired of the mundane entertainment of a money-hungry Hollywood, this film is a treasure to be treasured. Bill Murray is at his best, as is Steve Coogan. Iggy and Cate also give interesting performances. For those of us who are looking for something different and don't mind giving up plot for an interesting array of characterizations, this is a film definitely worth checking out.