Plod or plot?

Rating: 8/10 (16 November 2006)

The gang of eight monstrous, giggling little girls at the back of the theater where I saw this film made me acutely aware of the delicacy of its pace, longish silences and deadpan mood. That having been said, I admit to liking the story and the execution of a subtle, mind-bending plot. My viewing companion said, "It was like having a novel read to you." He really liked it...more than I did. Emma Thompson ran through her range from haggard neurotic to supercilious Brit. Queen Latifa did her usual limit-setting, hard-edged woman of humble beginnings. Dustin Hoffman seemed to be pacing out an extended cameo. Not much energy in his performance at all. Will Ferrel was impressive as the protagonist. It was a pleasant surprise to find out he really can act. Maggie Gyllenhaal was superb and delivered the best performance in the piece, I believe. If you like moody, thoughtful and slow-paced...go see this one.