Movie Description
Danny DeVito directs Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore in this devilish black comedy reminiscent of DeVito's THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN and THE WAR OF THE ROSES. Alex Rose (Stiller) and Nancy Kendricks (Barrymore) are a young, professional, New York couple in search of their dream home. When they finally find the perfect Brooklyn brownstone they are giddy with anticipation. The duplex is a dream come true, complete with multiple fireplaces, except for one thing: Mrs. Connelly (Eileen Essel), the cranky old lady who lives on the rent-controlled top floor. Assuming she is elderly and ill, they take the apartment but their hopes are quickly dashed when they realize that Mrs. Connelly is an energetic senior who enjoys watching her television at top volume day in and day out and rehearsing in a brass band. A writer, Alex, is attempting to finish his novel against a looming deadline. However, each day as he begins to write, he is interrupted by Mrs. Connelly's numerous demands and requests and what begins as a nuisance quickly escalates into an all-out war. When Nancy loses her job and the pair are trapped at home together with Mrs. Connelly, their rage turns to homicidal fantasy as they plot ways to get rid of their no-good neighbor. Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore are pitch perfect as a good-natured couple who, like most DeVito characters, are driven by rage to do very bad things.
| Credits | | Producer: | Ben Stiller, Drew Barrymore, Nancy Juvonen, Stuart Cornfeld | | Cast: | Eileen Essell, James Remar, Robert Wisdom |
Notes
Theatrical Release: September 26, 2003
Editorial Reviews
"...A refreshingly mean-spirited gothic real estate comic....[The script] is dexterous and tight, and its humor is both sharp and double-edged..."
New York Times - A. O. Scott (09/26/2003)
"...Directed with amiable mischievousness by Danny DeVito....DUPLEX, which has a glossy sheen, allows Stiller to expand his range as a leading man..."
Los Angeles Times - Kevin Thomas (09/26/2003)
"...DUPLEX has its wacky, funny moments..."
USA Today - Claudia Puig (09/26/2003)
"...Essel's energy and timing are delightful. Stiller and Barrymore are fun, too..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (09/26/2003)
"[T]here's enough here to remind us of De Vito's distinctive comic talents....[Stiller's] look of barely contained exasperation is one of the funniest things here."
Sight and Sound - Edward Lawrenson (07/01/2004)
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