Dustin Hoffman saves face

Rating: 8/10 (6 July 2007)

We decided on a back-to-back movie night this weekend, and aren't we glad we did.
The night started grimly, with me finding out the Video Busters guys are handing over their keys. I knew something was up as the store range has been gradually decreasing and the guys just hadn't been as passionate. When I arrived last night, they were drinking beers with some goths and bogans. Odd. My fears were realised when I asked if they were closing up. The store is staying but new owners are coming in. I look forward to meeting them tonight when I drop off last night's entertainment.
"Stranger Than Fiction" is one of those smart comedies that keeps you thinking and trying to work out the plot. The starting point is Harold Crick (Ferrell), an IRS agent who becomes nervy when it seems someone is narrating his every move. He starts to try to discover what's going on and unlocks some interesting clues with the help off a literary genius (Hoffman, in an excellent role, which almost makes me forgive him for "Meet The Fockers"). Eventually he works out what's going on and is faced with a big decision.
The movie is different and threw up some challenging thoughts at the end. Solid cast, most notably Ferrell, Hoffman and Gylenhall (the sister of the guy in the gay cowboy movie). Well worth seeing.