Customer Reviews

Wonder Boys

5 star:		(104)
4 star:		(46)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

It pretty much all takes over a long weekend of debauchery of one form or another. Professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is a laboring novelist and teacher at a college in Pittsburgh, author Chabon's favorite place to write about (witness: The Mysteries of Pittsburgh). He's working on this novel-in-progress, swearing to his agent (with a transvestite date in tow when he swoops into town for an award banquet) that it's nearly finished when, in reality, it's anything but. He's got a bazillion pages, but the book just isn't going anywhere, certainly not toward any planned or near-at-hand conclusion.
Tripp also has a wife who announces she's leaving him and a mistress (chancellor of the school, as well as the wife of Grady's boss) who tells him she's pregnant. Add to the mix a sexy student who shacks up at Grady's house and the wonderful, brilliant, and horribly confused student played by Tobey Maguire - whose best scene, according to my 19yo son is when, in a marijuana fog, he gets the munchies, lifts the lid of a candy jar, and utters an unforgettable warble of unmitigated joy when he discovers lemon drops.
Then there's a blind dog that ends up dead in the trunk of Grady's car and a gorgeous jacket once owned by Marilyn Monroe, and, and, and...
Wow.

Curtis Hanson's follow-up to his brilliant 'LA Confidential' is equally amazing but in a completely different way. 'Wonder Boys' is a wonderfully skewed comedy, with characters who zig and zag across the screen, weaving in through each others lives, and ultimately finding salvation in each other. Michael Douglas gives his second-great performance of 2000 (the other being in 'Traffic') as Professor Grady Tripp, a chronic pot-smoking, english teacher/author who has had great success in the past with his first novel. Problem is, he can't seem to finish his follow-up and he's been trying for years. He is having an affair with a married chancellor at his school (Frances McDormand in HER sceond great performance of the year, the other being in 'Almost Famous'). His barely-in-the-closet editor (the incredible Robert Downey Jr.) is breathing down his throat and a student of his (Katie Holmes) is trying to get in his pants. Not only that he has the chancellor's dead dog in his trunk, thanks to a mishap with a bewildered, mysterious student of his (Tobey Maguire at his usual excellence) and the car he's driving may or may not be stolen. Over the course of one hellish weekend, Grady Tripp will find out what it means to be in charge of one's own life and the way making a simple choice can change things for the better. The movie rides smoothly from start to finish thanks to great, assured direction by Hanson and smooth screenwriting by Steve Kloves (from the novel by Michael Chabon). It's a truly amazing film, whose character's are so well developed and layered that we never know what to expect of them at any given moment. In fact, anywhere you think this movie might be going at any given time, you will more then likely be wrong. It's surprising and heart-felt, as funny as it is involving, as moving as it is intelligent. And you won't find a better performance then Douglas's in any film this year. It's a true stand-out role for him, a break from his normal obsessive, hard-headed monsters. And he is brilliant. And so is Tobey Maguire, who continues to dazzle with every film. One of the best films of 2000.

You'd think that "L.A. Confidential" was a tough act to follow. But director Curtis Hanson takes it in stride with his follow-up, "Wonder Boys". An adaptation of Michael Chabon's novel that is pretty far removed from "Confidential", and yet, manages to be equally compelling and uniquely sedutive on its own.

Much of it is probably owed to Michael Douglas. In a refined, carefully controlled performance the actor packs on some 30 pounds and looks totally dishevelled as a burned out college professor with a fondness for marihuana.

Douglas' perfect portrayal completely carries the film. It is, in essence, a melancholic comedy. Hanson and the screenwriter use this mood to set-up some very interesting situations and present very unusual characters. The situations are aided by Dante Spinotti's captivating cinematography. And at some instances, things get so bizarre and madcap that you might think you're watching a Coen Brothers movie. Particularly in a very mean-spirited subplot involving the fate of a blind pit bull, and in a wildly amusing scene involving a car accident and Douglas' work in progress. I think of it as psychological slapstick comedy. The thinking man's pie-in-the-face. The story is riddled with stuff like this that borders on the absurd but is presented as matter-of-factly as possible.

The whole thing with Douglas' female student played by Katie Holmes, for instance. He rents her a room in his house. She clearly has a deep crush on him. And the irony here is that in a strange way this ends up being a parody of the cinematic sexual escapades that Douglas is known for... In another movie, he might have succumbed to her seductions, but he plays a very different low-key character here. Holmes plays the part perfectly too. After seeing her give such assured performances in off-beat films like this, "The Ice Storm" and the underrated gem "Go", I find it hard to believe that "Dawson's Creek" is her day job. In some ways she's evry bit as daring and accomplished as her more "prestigious" contemporary Cristina Ricci.

But the real choice stuff lies elsewhere. Downey Jr's extremely likable character is a delicious treat to watch. When he develops a crush on Maguire it's actually pretty endearing. I like the tasteful way that this movie handles the "love affair" between Downey and Maguire. Some other movie might have exploited it as a chance to be "daring" and "controversial." Here, the fact is treated with naturalistic ease. Seeing Maguire and Downey lying in bed together with their shirts off is not geared to raise eyebrows. It's a positive plot point about genuine affection, handled with warmth and jolly humor.

And finally, an energetic subplot within a subplot involving a pregnant waittress named Oola (the underused beauty Jane Adams) and a neurotic James Brown lookalike named Vernon (hilariously played by Richard Knox) This entire block of the film feels like vintage Coen. With delightful off-center dialogues and moments of potentially lethal suspense handled with farcical sitcom glee.

But, ultimately, the film gets by on its honest human emotions and it's the relationships that are at the heart of the film. The relationship between Douglas and Frances McDormand rings true, all the more aided by McDormand's heartfelt performance. And once Douglas begins to serve as a kind of father figure for Maguire it's even more moving. It could be that Maguire creates a character that projects vulnerability with intelligence. The film has many memorable moments with him at the center. I was eerily mesmerized in a scene where he alphabetically goes through a list of all the Hollywood movie stars that have committed suicide. There is a darkness there but at the same time, the scene has poignancy and it is the foreshadow to a touching scene involving Maguire's fascination with the coat Marilyn Monroe wore on her wedding day.

Curtis Hanson has proven himself as a classy filmmaker. Gone are the days of plastic popcorn entertainment like "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle". With "L.A. Confidential" and now this, he has proven to be a meticulous and intelligent filmmaker that is very aware of the nuances of elegant cinematic storytelling and he knows how to work sensibly within the Hollywood system. It's rare to see a mainstream Hollywood film that isn't all that mainstream. "Wonder Boys" is a highly enjoyable and ultimately sober dramatic comedy with intelligence and truth... I even like the questionable fact that it boldly attempts to ultimately be an anti-drug parable. Hanson handles that point so subtly, that you wont feel as patronized as you should.

This film is of that quirky, self-aware cadre that makes people easily dismiss it as pretentious, or worse, pointless. But I believe those who ascribe such notions to the movie have clearly missed the plot's subtle nuances, and the humorous undercurrent that permeates the entire theme.

Wonder Boys has that charming yet simple elegance that draws on its real but clumsy characters -- all pretty painstakingly drawn out as we almost live their fumbling lives. Professor Tripp (Douglas) in particular was very credible as just about anyone among us. James Leer's (McGuire) obsession with celebrity suicides is made light of and overcast by his pathological lying. Holmes is appropriately cast to tantalize.

Plus, the score is something to cherish thanks in no small measure to Bob Dylan's superb "Things have changed".

A good chuckle comedy with a wistful look at midlife, decisions to be made or avoided. Recommended for the discerning viewer.

I liked this movie in the theater, although, as others here have noted, one has to forgive the cloyingly sentimental ending (the original novel handles this better, but not that much better). The performances by Douglas, McDormand, Downey and especially Toby Maguire are first rate. As a matter of fact, I pre-ordered it from Amazon the day after I saw it. Seeing it again on DVD produced mixed emotions.

First: I mean really "first." Before the movie starts, the screen is filled with the HORRIFYING message: "This film has been edited for content." WHAT???? This set up a sense of foreboding that never left me as I watched the movie. Not to worry: the content that was actually edited turns out to be in the list of celebrity suicides cited by Tobey in what I suppose is the movie's first act: Evidently, the theatrical version contained factual mistake[s].

Second: The sound is pretty dull. You'd think a picture that won its only Oscar for best song would have a digital track. It does not. Dolby 5.0 and 2.0 are your choices. Neither very attractive.

Third: Extra Features - REALLY lame. A running commentary by director Hanson would have been nice. The book's author, Michael Chabon, would have been even better. As it is, we get a whimsical tour through Pittsburg with the director. Blyuuck.

Fourth: There are annoying spots in the transfer where the image gets stuck and lines of dialog are lost. I know this has something to do with "layering" and, apparently, can't be avoided, but I've never seen it as bad as on this DVD.

Summing up: This movie never got the attention it deserved from audiences, and now it has gotten a sloppy DVD transfer. What a shame, because this was one of the better movies of 2000.

'Wonder Boys' a term ocassionally used to describe first time, usually young authors who write great books and often have trouble duplicating the success, is a flawed film which completely won me over because of some perfectly realized moments, good ensemble acting and a stand-out Robert Downey Jr. performance.

The film which was attrociously marketed as a cute Michael Douglas comedy,and just recently enjoyed a limited re-release with little notice. Pity, because it is one of the best films of the year.

Female characters get short shrift in this essentially two character study about an over-the-hill anxiety ridden, pot smoking 50 year old College professor and a strange, almost withdrawn young student author.

There are several true to life moments that are perfectly captured on film that utterly and completely won me over. The almost fairy-tale like ending, and some minor but annoying inacuracies are minor flaws the film easily overcomes. The film contains a couple of beautifully realized scenes which I will treasure for a long long time. There's also a very impressive soundtrack which is used quite admirably during the film. A Neil Young Classic punctuates a scene obviously but so perfectly, I wanted to just stand up and go... Yes, that's the way to do it.

Michael Douglas, and Tobey Maguire are the leads, but Robert Downey Jr. as Douglas' (Grady's) Agent is superb in another go-for-broke, swing for the bleachers performance. It may be his best performance ever (and he's given some incredible ones in the past).

The film is a laid back, casually-paced character study. It's not an action film or a dumb comedy but a film that takes its time and gets most of its details right. It's a film about inner conflicts, relationhships, self doubt and relationships that usually feels authentic and true. A few details seem maddeningly wrong, but they are minor and one of my nit-picks --regarding Grady-a professional writer single spacing his manuscript which is a real tabu of editors)--is actually how the writer of the novel and his wife have submitted material to editors in rea life supposedly without dire consequences.

Hopefully you'll get the opportunity to view the film without knowing too much about the films minor twists and turns.

It's easy to see why Curtis Hanson was attracted to this story about creative types questioning their abilities and confidence to continue in their chosen field. Hanson leap frogged from a reputation as a competent border-line hack director of such better than average thrillers as The Bedroom Window, Bad Influence ,The Hand that Rocks the Cradle and The River Wild into a first class skilled a-list director with 1997's L.A. Confidential.

For his follow-up Hanson chose a quieter, more introspective and even riskier film; The Wonder Boys.

It's far from perfect but I suspect it will easily make my 10 best of 2000.

Chris Jarmick Author of The Glass Cocoon with Serena F. Holder --Available January 2001. Please consider ordering it today. Thank you.

So here's the scoop about this DVD. I'm not a big Michael Douglas fan. Not a big Robery Downey Jr. fan. And not a big fan of Pittsburgh, either. But, after seeing their two performances in this masterful piece of artwork which showcases the best of this huge Pennsylvania hamlet, I'm a big fan of all three.

Wonder Boys spins the tale of Professor Tripp, new protege James Leer (brilliantly acted by the soon-to-reckoned with Tobey MacGuire), a feisty editor named Crabtree, and a confused Chancellor (by the amazing Frances McDormand), all meshing and re-meshing together over the course of a turbulent, bridge building weekend. Their paths are multiple and complicated; there is no room to rest in this film. You never doubt its story, up to its satisfying and right conclusion. You cannot go wrong with Wonder Boys.

The DVD version is of good quality, yet lacking the now-expected director's commentary that would enlighten us even more about this film. His commentary on the Pittsburgh locations shed a little light on this film, but leaves you wanting more. Don't miss this cinematic, and sadly overlooked, treasure.

Director Curtis Hanson adapts Michael Chabon`s acclaimed book and delivers a gripping dramedy about the writing process and life choices. Michael Douglas plays Grady Tripp, a famous writer and teacher that faces some weird and unusual situations during a contrived weekend. Grady tries to help James (played by the excellent Tobey Maguire), a confused yet brilliant student who is feeling unsure about his life and its future options. Together, the two "wonder boys" will come clean with themselves and redefine their main goals and priorities. But, before they reach that scenario, a couple of offbeat adventures unfold.

Curtis Hanson ("LA Confidential", "8 Mile") provides an edgy and hip movie, presenting a true-to-life (in a way) and witty plot, well-crafted characters, superb acting, stunning cinematography and an adequate score. Although this picture is a bit overrated, it still deserves some praise as it delivers a captivating and absorbing cinematic experience. However, sometimes it`s way too clever for its own good, and the story is hardly groundbreaking material. The ending is not the best, either.

Still, "Wonder Boys" works fine as an edgy Hollywood effort, expertly mixing alternative and mainstream elements to create an intelligent and entertaining piece of filmaking, courtesy of Curtis Hanson`s ecclectism (an underrated director, by the way).

Deserves a look.

I always try very hard not to compare movies to books that they might be based on. I always feel that a film should sink or swim on its own, so to speak. They should be judged as an independent piece of art, because in actuality, that's what they are. After all, every piece of art is going to be based on some experience by the artist. So what if the work is based on another piece of art. That said, the moment that the credits rolled in this film, I felt that I had no choice but to read the book.

That's actually meant to be a compliment. A lot of people will say about a movie "you should read the book." And by that, they mean, "the book is better." That's not why I wanted to read the book. I was so moved by the film that I wanted an opportunity to totally immerse myself in the world in which it took place. I ordered the book from Amazon the next morning and have only just begun to read it. I can only hope that it will move me as well as the film did. Given the depth of the talents of its Pulitzer Prize winning author, Michael Chabon, I don't expect that I will be disappointed. I will likely write a review of it as well, but I wanted an opportunity to review the film as a piece unto itself first without hampering my opinions based additional knowledge from the book.

What really struck me was how real the film was. At least from my point of view. I felt as though I knew those people. I felt as though I lived that life. Part of that may be due to the fact that I did live that life (I graduated with an English degree from Carnegie Mellon University, where this movie was filmed), but I think a lot of it was also due to honesty with which these characters were portrayed. From Katie Holmes's Hannah, the mysterious cute girl in the class with an obvious crush on the professor to the Michael Douglas's Grady, mildly successful, more of a writer than a teacher with a fine eye for detail that will zone in on a single aspect to sum up the entire character and personality of a real life individual (like her feet).

This film is beautiful. I mean it simply breathtaking. I was enrolled at CMU for six and a half years. As I said before, I have been to each location seen in that film more times than I can count, but I can honestly say that I saw the campus in an entirely new light and I will never be able to look at it the same way again. The scenery makes this picture. I've lived in Pittsburgh for nearly a decade, but whenever anyone asks me where I am from, I have always told them Cleveland (my original hometown). But after seeing what the film crew did here, I am proud to live in Pittsburgh. A little bit of movie magic has turned this burned out steel city into a thing of beauty. And I mean movie magic. The movie was actually filmed during an uncharacteristically warm winter. Almost all the snow in the film is fake. It was astounding to see the crew pumping fake snow out all over the place during filming, but it comes across wonderfully realistic in the film.

I recommend this film to anyone and everyone. I watch a lot of movies, and I can usually find something nice to say about almost all of them. But it is very seldom that I see a film that touches me in the same way that this one did (the most recent before this was American Beauty). I especially recommend this film to anyone who is familiar with Pittsburgh; the creative writing process or who has at some point found themselves at a difficult crossroads in life. In short, I recommend the movie to anyone like me. But the thing is, I recommend this movie to anyone who isn't like me. Go see this film. You'll be glad you did. And if by any chance you are anything like me, then perhaps you will find a bit of yourself in this film. Perhaps you will find out that you're a Wonder Boy as well.

I rented this movie because it was nominated for a Golden Globe and I try to see all the nominated films, and because I will watch anything with Robert Downey, Jr. in it. I'm not sure what I expected, but I was surprised to find this film to be a dark comedy along the lines of "American Beauty'. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time, with outstanding performances by the whole cast (especially Michael Douglas and the aforementioned Robert Downey, Jr. who is always great). I am inspired by great acting and this film was exactly that - inspiring!