Not bad, but certainly overrated

Rating: 5/10 (20 February 2004)

There are many ways bad actors in good movies try to divert audiences from their lack of talent. Some actors use smoking (Ethan Hawke), some scream their lines (George Segal), and now we have "acting by going pantsless". Scarlett Johansen's only character trait seems to be a hatred of clothing below the waist. All in an attempt to make the viewer forget they are watching a woman who has no acting range.
Bill Murray is fine. Bill Murray is Bill Murray. There is not a lot of chemistry between the two main actors, and they seemingly get together (in the unbiblical sense) merely to move the plot along. The script is sparse, seemingly used only to set up character depth that the characters themselves are incapable of revealing otherwise. The directing is okay. She sets up some very nice shots, but seems to cut away from them in an awkward way. This did not bother me as much as it did my companion, but it was noticeable. All in all, an average film, certainly overrated and not worth the accolades it has been receiving.