Entertaining and innovatively comedic, but emotionally shallow

Rating: 6/10 (14 June 2005)

It's interesting that they present the main character as more or less an asshole, and we might otherwise just write him off, but his complete and utter honesty is his redeeming quality. John Cusack and Jack Black play off each other wonderfully. Rob's (Cusack) quest for self- discovery, starting off by focusing outward and eventually turning inward, is more or less the point and purpose of the film, brilliantly executed with humor in all the right places. But in spite of its honest nature, the film remains undeniably lacking in character and emotional depth.
VERDICT: Entertaining as well as a nice change of pace from traditional comedies. Recommended to all, particularly John Cusack fans or anyone on the prowl for an innovative comedy, with the exception that you don't mind narrative films (Rob discusses his most inner thoughts while looking directly into the camera through about half of it).
6.0 out of 10.0
~AleXa~