Stranger Than Fiction (DVD, 2007)

Stranger Than Fiction

This movie was really great. I expected it to be good, but not as good as it was. Will Ferrell is fabulous as Harold Crick and he delivers a performance that allows us to see another side of Will Ferrell, a side that is less goofy but will still make you laugh out loud.

The story is great, original, emotional, funny and the supporting cast is amazing. Stranger Than Fiction will really open your eyes on a couple subjects and it teaches a great lesson in the end.

I highly recommend you check this movie out, whether you're a Will Ferrell fan or not... this movie is great.

Final Verdict:

5/5

Worth buying: If you're a Will Ferrell fan it's a definite must-buy

As a novelist (Emma Thompson) struggles with how to kill off her main character, IRS auditor Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) begins hearing her narration in his head and realizes he must prevent his own death. From there it gets funny and the ending will surprise you, thumbs up.

We all have our quirks, and we're all worth loving. While that is not the Grand Message of this movie, its certainly in there. \

Now, some might find this film "a little slow" - but that's because they're not really paying attention. And I guarantee, if you pay a little bit to this gem the payback is awesome!

The not-giving-anything-hugely-important-away-premise is: Harold Crick (Ferrell) is a lonely-but-self-respecting IRS auditor who realizes that an articulate English woman's voice is narrating his every move from inside his head. You see, Harold is a bit of an odd duck, too, and he compulsively counts and measures things in the background chatter of his actually creative mind. This is brilliantly illustrated in the movie through sophisticated computer graphics superimposed over the action while Harold moves through space, and for as long as he bothers to mildly preoccupy himself with such trivia - its a refreshing homage to compulsivity like this.

Along the way, he meets a radical baker (Maggie Gyllenhaal at her best) who he "unprofessionally" falls for. But she doesn't want to have anything to do with him...and besides, he's got to get rid of the English woman (Emma Thompson) first!

Superbly directed by Marc Forster (the brilliant director of "Finding Neverland" and the largely unseen masterpiece "Stay") there are some great actors in the smaller roles: Dustin Hoffmann, Queen Latifah (as a dead-serious publisher's "hit-man") and cameos by other greats like Tom "Amadeus" Hulce and Linda Hunt).

If you previously dismissed this as "another dumb Will Ferrell comedy" - you've got a pleasant surprise waiting for you.

Will Ferrel plays a IRS agent that suddenly starts to hear a voice that is narrating his life. His coworkers are begin to think that he is crazy. He tries to find out who is describing his life and future death. This is a novel ploy that has not been over-used in Hollywood. The cast of this movie is top notch. There are many funny moments in the film but most of scenes are not too outrageous to be unbelievable except for hearing the voice itself. I do not always like watching Will Ferrel but this performance was watchable. Emma Thompson was brilliant at the bizarre British writer. Queen Latifah plays her wise-cracking personal assistant. This is worth renting or buying.

I loved Stanger Than Fiction! Will Ferrell did a great job in this movie! His acting was superb and not over-the-top like his other movies. The movie was funny, romantic and even made you wonder what if you were the hero/heroine of a novel and your life was being written out of the plot. I would definitely watch this movie again!

(For a plot synopsis, please click the link above. This review is a critique of the work, not a summary.)

Stranger than Fiction is far and away the best movie I have seen in months, possibly in the last year. I am utterly blown away. I mean, rarely do you find such a wonderful blend of humor, wit, meaning, and quiet humanity all in the same film.

As a comedy, it is wry and ironic. There is little physical comedy, and no toilet humor (not that I dislike either, but sometimes a change of pace is welcome). Though the film is clever, it is understated - a simple premise sets up the action , and from there the characters do all the work. And what wonderful characters they are!

Will Farrell is an amazingly good straightman in this film, something I never would have guessed from watching his oft over the top antics on Saturday Night Live for so many years. He plays a wonderful character with a subtle charm. Maggie Gyllenhaal (whose name I hope I spelled correctly) is wonderful as ever, and plays a character a bit more recognizable as a role you would think to see her in. Emma Thompson puts in, as usual, a very believable performance. And though her character is difficult to like at first, due only to the situation she's unwittingly put herself in, it is hard to be unimpressed with her acting. Queen Latifah, in a very serious role, is also good. So are Dustin Hoffman, and one of my favorite character actors, Tony Hale (Buster from the television series, Arrested Development).

I cannot recommend this movie highly enough. It is one of the few movies I've seen in the last few years that has truly earned its ending. It's not wrapped up in a little bow, and it does not come from nowhere and for no reason. The choices the characters make may surprise you, but it does not feel contrived; knowing the characters, as you do by the end of the film, their decisions make sense, and their motives are clear.

This is one I will watch again and again. I can't guarantee you'll enjoy it as much as I did, but I can hope.

- Its cheap.
- Its inspiring.
- Very good picture quality for dvd.
- Good date movie.

In all, I really liked it. It showed that some things don't matter as much as you think and sometimes you have to just live life and not worry so much. I would really recommend at least renting it.

I LOVED this movie:)! I LOVE it so much that I went as far to buy several more copies of it and mail it to my friends and family with some orvele redenbacher POP-corn,lol! [please forgive my spelling along the way; I don't do it very well:) ] And now, I have ordered a copy of the screen play. I watch this movie at least once a day since I got it. I can still learn from it.

This movie is all about the actual writer and writing: Parallels; Emma Thomson's character: 'Karen Eifel' and Harold's [played by Will Ferrel] 'wristwatch' And the mental and emotional journey of a WRITER [One may learn the pieces/parts/intricacies of the 'pen'-A writing course that I would enjoy enrolling in and again for refreshers]. In this case, the writer is almost suicidal[but 'life change' is a death of sorts..]; she writes 'tragedies,' where the HERO always dies. The writer is a perfectionist with OCD tendencies. In the story, Karen Eifel tells her assistant, 'Penny Esher,' [played by 'Queen Latefa'] about a "beautifully depressing book," Where a woman, who, after falling to her 'death' had an 'face of an angel; Karen states she believes it's because "she could fell the wind against her face.." as she plunged to her death. Then the narator narates that Harolds' 'watch' 'loved to feel the wind against it's [face'] as Harold ran to catch the bus.

I especially liked the part where ['Penny'-for-your-thoughts 'Esher' [creative construct] 'assisant,' let's-the-character 'IN'[very symbolic] to face her decision of Tragedy [death/suiside];
And then Harold after 'reading' THE MANUSCRIPT; 'Validates' herself [more symbolisim:) ] And it is the 'WATCH'[writer/Karen Eifel] who saves Harold's life; The writer chooses LIFE!

Each character is skillfully portrayed by an amazing cast; each actted as brilliantly as the the mastery and BRILLIENCE of the author/screen play writers', writing!

The romance between, HAROLD and ANA PASQUEL [her charater is the nurturant/creative 'baker'] [Played by Gylinhal,sp!lol..] is lovely and healing.

The words; music; cinematograpy all fit/match somewhere; nothing is wasted. I am truely INSPIRED! I cry/laugh at this brilliant comedy-tragedy-romance-teacher:)

I was driving one afternoon crying; wondering if I had done anything of signifigance in my life; my self-talk went down a list of the 'little' things I had done for other people, a lot of them, but I could not say that I had been 'Mother Teresa!' And then I found this Movie: 'STRANGER THAN FICTION' BY, ZACH HELM.

This movie [it's writer's] suggest that: 'OKAY' is good enough [we don't have to be Gandy]; that we affect others in our small gestures [these can be life savors]; doesn't have to be 'grand.'
And 'we'/our lives; Are and are not controlled by fate [GOD] 'we' have free choice, and can 'write' with our self-talk a new way of being....GACHETTDUO

As a child I had a favorite book, entittled: HAROLD and THE PURPLE CRAYON. And now as an adult [with my inner child..:) ] I now have: HAROLD and HIS WRISTWATCH, a.k.a, STRANGER THAN FICTION!

'LISTEN' to every word...the artist/writer puts each word in 'it's place' and for a purpose!

If you would like to have further discussion you may email me at: gachettduo@charter.net ...peace out!:)

whole family loved this movie it is very good with popcorn and a cold drink i would yell all to buy this movie and that they will enjoy it much

This is one of my favorite Will Ferrel movies. I mean i like his goofy comedies but this movie he steps out of the box. The movie is funny and well written, and backed up by some great acting.

I like Will Ferrell and I like good stories, and this movie has both. A very clever script, an understated performance by Ferrell and overall a really great cast make this one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Really good stuff. It deserved better critical acclaim than it originally received. If you are looking for Taladega Nights, this isn't it. If you want something more like a tragi-comedy like Forest Gump, this should appeal to you!

I liked it. Unusual and different but good. I stayed interested because it was so different. Reminded me of the old twilight zone or something like that -- with humor.

Stranger than Fiction is a story about a dull IRS agent named Harold Crick whose life is turned upside down when he starts hearing a voice narrating his life. Will Ferrel shines in this lead role as a man who makes a transition from a dull and routine life to a vibrant and colorful one. The supporting cast is very strong with help from Dustin Hoffman and company. The story for this film is unique, fun, and memorable. Harold is an obsessive routine follower, counting the number of brush strokes he uses each morning as he cleans his teeth. Then, one day, his life is turned upside down as he begins to hear a voice narrate his every move and thought. He audits a beautiful and socially rebellious young woman who he falls in love with, and meets up with a quirky college professor who provides wacky advice. You'll be inspired by Harold as he struggles to find his way through ordinary and not so ordinary perils that confront him day in and day out. This movie has a lot of everything from comedy, to romance, to drama. It's a sure fire winner with any audience. Pick it up today!

WOW! What a movie. Ferrell was great. This movie was something amazing! My wife and I discussed at length so many of the issues related to the meaning of life, and things that matter to us and our kids... We are buying this movie.

Without trying to give away the ending, what a statement about heroism, about meaning, and how art duplicates life. Dustin Hoffman was also VERY good in this movie, though not listed in some credits as highly as actors that carried less of the load.

This one is amazing, because when you wear your iPod, and hear the music you love as you live, you often imagine your life differently initially. This movie helps define the values of a life worth living in an Orwellian world. Such an entertaining pretense in a popular movie. Amazing.


Great work all, who completed this project. The truth really sneaks up on you in this movie!!

Okay, I'm not even remotely a Will Ferrell fan. In fact, most of his movies I wouldn't see if you paid me. However, this one was recommended to me and, reluctantly, I saw it via Netflix. The beginning "featured" some annoying on-screen graphics that (thankfully) went away after a few minutes. I knew, or thought I knew, the basic plot from trailers of the film. However, it wasn't long before it evolved into something more interesting. Ferrel was actually sympathetic and not his usual annoying self (that so many others seem to enjoy). Anyway, I liked it so much I bought the DVD for my mother. I don't want to give away the story, but if you get a chance to see this, give it a shot. You might be surprised.

After many duds, "Bewitched, "Kicking and Screaming" to name a few, I had almost given up on Ferrell as an over-rated actor.....BUT then came along this jewel! Ferrell is wonderful as the mundane tax auditor and puts on a performance that I thought was the jewel of his career. Don't get me wrong other Ferrell movies make me laugh, like Anchorman, Talledega Nights and Elf, but in this drama he really shines! Great story, great supporting cast and WELL Worth the purchase!

I love this movie. Love. After seeing it, it immediately entered my top 5 movies of all time. A beautiful blend of comedy, romance, sci-fi, and drama. The cast is spectacular. The visuals are top notch, and the story is original and heart-warming. A must own. Every person I've told to watch it has loved it. Many have purchased it as well.

If you are a Will Ferell fan you may be surprised. This is not his normal brand of comedy. Very light hearted and feel good movie but not quite the laugh out loud comedy you get with Taladega Nights. Kind of a slow starter but keeps you involved. Do not watch it if you are tired as you won't make it through. Thats this guys opinion.

This was a very good movie with a very unusual concept. The twist at the end of the movie was terrific. The humanity of the protagonist was touching & very effective.

This movie was, surprisingly, a bit different from the rest of Will Ferrel's comedies. Although it is still lighthearted and funny, it has a more serious undertone then the rest of Ferrel's movies. As far as the plot goes and the role of the author, they are clever, however could have been expounded upon more (ie her involvment in the characters' lives and the purpose for their deaths). Of course then we get into the problem of America's short attention span, hehe. All in all, a pretty good movie.

Thanks! I got it quickly and it was exactly what I wanted. I love this movie!!!! Thank you for the fast shipping...

This is one of Will Ferrell's more serious movies, although it still has some decent comedic spots throughout. The cast is put together well, they really seemed to gel and flow together smoothly. The only reason this movie didn't get a 5/5 is because it didn't have that "knock you off your feet" mentality. It makes for a good purchase, and a no brainer if you are a Will Ferrell fan.

This is one of Will Ferrell's better movies. It's not what I was expecting from Will, usually his movies are always comedic, but this one has a more serious tone to it.

It starts out with a man named Harold Crick, who is an IRS agent. He seems to be an average boring man, nothing comedic or dramatic happens to him. One day when he begins his normal regime he hears a woman narrating his life to him. He can't get rid of the voice, and doesn't know what's happening. We, the audience, knows the narrator in Harold's mind is a writer working on her latest book. The narrating is very intrusive and distracting for Harold to go about his daily life, and gets even more complicated when the narrator informs Harold about his impending death. Harold decides to go to Professor Jules Hilbert for guidance; Jules has a lot of knowledge about books and helps Harold with his new problem. It takes some convincing, though, for Jules to believe Harold in the first place. During all this confusion Harold finds a love interest in a baker named Ana Pascal.

That's the shortened version, but of course there is a lot more to this film than just that.

The cast is amazingly put together in this movie, they include: Will Ferrell, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, and Queen Latifah.

If you are a fan of Will Ferrell then you will definitely enjoy this movie!