Stranger Than Fiction - In a word, EXCELLENT

Rating: 10/10 (10 November 2006)

I "watched a book" today and the sounds and visuals drenched me to the point of satisfaction like no book has ever done. Yes I mean to say it just that way. I have not seen many movies any better than this one. And I have only seen one movie that kept my attention in the way "Stranger Than Fiction" did. Coincidentally, or by design, that movie, "Stay" was also directed by Marc Forster. As a result, I guarantee I will not miss a single Marc Forster movie no matter what diversion may attempt to block me. His direction was sheer genius. I truly believe that Forster deserves an Oscar for this movie (he really deserved it for Stay too).
This may scare some people away but I hope not. Book-readers should be encouraged, though. Watching this movie was exactly like sitting down in your favorite chair in an atmosphere you choose, with a book you cannot put down. I have not read a good book in a very long time and I suppose it is mostly because I do not feel I have time to read a book. But after watching this movie, I felt like I soaked in everything just like you do with a good book. I felt like I was part of this remarkable experience and not the client in a sales job.
Will Ferrell was remarkable! I have not been a great fan of his and always thought he should have stayed with Saturday Night Live. But his performance takes him out of the scatterbrain slapstick comic mold. He was so charming in this movie, I hope he can refrain from going back to silly, nonsensical, nonstop slapstick. But never fear, he was still comical when it was required and beautifully so.
Maggie Gyllenhaal was seductive, beautiful and totally enchanting. As the person everyone loved she proved to be just that. She easily had the "Meg Ryan innocent young woman with a delicious smile" appeal but was able to also exhibit the kind of power hard headed people have when they make up their minds to hate someone.
Queen Latifah added her charm as a mysterious, dedicated and determined beauty who made her presence known but kept you in the dark with her performance.
Dustin Hoffman provided everything that only he can. Subtlety was a total stranger to this direct, arrogant, yet totally charming and strange professor. I didn't mention funny did I? He was that, too.
After all is said and done, no performance was as satisfying as Emma Thompson's. She also should be up for an Oscar nomination. The characterizations, mannerisms, timing and expressions were a professional's dream come true  perfect, without flaw.
Zach Helm should not be left out. He wrote such a strange and certainly satisfying story that everyone helped to make a masterpiece which I will see again and again. I might even start reading again because of him.
If you are a book-reader who believes movies are a waste of time or a movie goer who cannot stand to sit and read a book, do not miss this magical work of art. You will find yourself stunned.
This, in all its glory, gets a perfect 10 from me!!