At least that s the situation depicted in Wonder Boys, a human interest comedy from Curtis Hanson, the acclaimed director of L. A. Confidential. In this sometimes misguided film, Michael Douglas stars as Grady Tripp, a college professor whose first novel won the prestigious Pen Award. That was several years ago, and Tripp has published nothing since. He keeps telling editor Robert Downey Jr. he s almost finished with his second book, a gigantic tome of more than one thousand pages. As a result of this act of kindness, events unfold that force both Tripp and his student to make drastic changes in their lives.
Cast members deliver first-rate performances in Wonder Boys.
With his hypnotic voice and wide-eyed innocence, he gained my sympathy no matter how bad his behavior. Unfortunately, a questionable moral tone permeates this uneven movie. There s lots going on, but much of it is more serious than funny. Billed as a comedy, Wonder Boys is about as amusing as a driver s license exam. McDormand s understated portrayal of the college chancellor is also a gem.