Not quite as expected

Rating: Null/10 (1 September 2003)

There were some witty dialogue and clever lines here and there, but most of the time, it is just the leading character, Rob, rambling on and on. The plot is loose and moves on at a slow pace, with nothing stimulating happening in the end. Simply put, there is no climax.
John Cusack's performance in this film is disappointing. I don't know if it is his acting, or his role in the film that annoys me. The leading character, Rob, is unfunny, grouchy, sour, ill-tempered, and wears a grumpy face throughout the whole movie. I don't hate John Cusack(in fact he IS cute), it's just that I don't think he is suited for this particular role: he lacks the "aura" for a music-lover. On the other hand, Todd Louiso(Dick) and Jack Black(Barry) were brilliant! I'd say that "the musical moron twins" had saved this movie.
One more thing. If you are not familiar with the American pop music culture(as I am not :P), you might have some difficulties understanding some of the dialogue, since there are many many references to bands, songs, and lyrics(which I am oblivious to---but this is my problem really).
I rented High Fidelity in hope to see a clever, inspiring cult movie, such as Fight Club is. But it seems to me that High Fidelity is not quite in the same league as Fight Club.