A Real Breath of Fresh Air.......

Rating: 10/10 (6 December 2006)

Well, what can I say? They don't make enough films like this!!! First of all I must state that it appears to start off as a regular Will Ferrel film, being a comfortable viewing experience. Don't be fooled however....A quite notable difference with this film, is Will Ferrel acting in a not entirely comical storyline, and boy does he do it well! Having seen almost the full line-up of Mr. Ferrels movies, it was a pleasant change to see him in something with a little more depth, and he excels in this environment.
Emma Thompson is fantastic, and although I wouldn't have initially seen her in this role, she is a more than worthwhile addition to the cast here.
Maggie Gyllenhaal is an enigma yet again, and I think and hope she will go on to yet bigger and better things, as she also performs well here, albeit in an ever so slightly small part.
Dustin Hoffman is amazing in one of his ever more common aloof comedic performances, and I look forward to seeing him in more of these roles.
Queen Latifah is more than adequate in this film, and I hope she continues to appear in these; slightly more intellectual stories.
Anyway, enough of the bullet points....
I watched the trailer for this film, and thought; hmm yeah, could be good, so the Girlfriend and I went to see it. Well, I was kept guessing till almost the very end, and just when I thought I'd second-guessed them out of new idea's, they go and surprise me again(the writers that is!).
Somewhat slow-paced at the beginning, better and better as it goes on, I can't stress enough how good this film is! It has made me curious enough to go and watch Will Ferrel in forthcoming not-entirely-comical films without a second-thought. It really does leave you thinking about life, and how precious it is. (nb; whilst on this note, watch the video to Savin' Me by Nickelback, another reminder of how every second is precious) Fairly similar to another recently released film starring Adam Sandler, it is both better written, and much more clever.
Go on, take a chance, and go and see it, it is even worth the extortionate London Cinema Prices to get in! Adam