Will Ferrell will make you a believer.

Rating: 8/10 (6 August 2008)

Of course everyone knows that Will Ferrell is funny; that is pretty much embedded on the DNA of every new born that comes into the world. What many may not know but will by seeing this movie is that Ferrell can act and play a straight role quite well. Here he plays Harold Crick, an IRS agent who has is complete daily routine down to a science. Everything from counting brush strokes while brushing teeth to timing his lunch break is completely and meticulously counted out and planned. Then, he begins to hear a voice from Emma Thompson who he finds out is narrating his life. With the help of a literary theory professor played by the iconic Dustin Hoffman, he discovers he is a character in her new book and that she is known for killing off the characters in all her books.
To be perfectly honest with you, this is one of the stranger movies ever made but it is made so well and with such heart it doesn't feel as strange as it is. Unique is a word that comes to mind when thinking of the story and the script from first-timer Zach Helm is simple and straight and keeps the suspense all the while giving us insight into Harold's life and his rigorous schedule. As the story progresses, Harold's life begins to unwind and it is important to note that at the beginning his life feels less like a novel idea but at the end it is a great idea. Of course, none of this would be possible without tremendous acting and Ferrell holds it all together with perhaps his best performance yet. Hoffman and Thompson are two old pros here who know what they're doing and Maggie Gyllenhaal is so cute and likable here that it made me want to go look for her and her bakery. She gives what may be the film's best performance as Harold's love interest that has brains and spunk and rubs a little spice onto Harold's bland dish.
She this if you can. It is rare to find a movie so unique and clever, yet with the feel of a typical audience-winner.