Friday, July 2, 2010

Wonder Boys

Two Oscar winners, two actors who would later become famous for portraying superheroes, and the future wife of a Hollywood superstar. Sounds weird, bu that's the main cast of Wonder Boys.


Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is at a low point in his life. His wife has left him, his mistress Sara Gaskell (Frances McDormand) is pregnant and he can't seem to finish his latest novel. And to add to his building stress, he finds himself looking after talented yet troubled student James Leer (Tobey Maguire). Grady must find a way to keep his anxious editor Terry Crabtree (Robert Downey, Jr.) at bay, keep James safe, and solve his romantic issues.


Wonder Boys is unique because the premise makes it sounds like it's a screwbal comedy but it's not. Douglas gives one of his most sincere roles while Maguire delivers a rather earnest performance. Downey steals every scene he's in. Curtis Hanson, whose work before Wonder Boys was L.A. Confidential, earns high praise from me for directing a very entertaining and fun movie.


My Rating: ****1/2

2 comments:

  1. I've always wanted to see this - I love Rob Downey Jr - and I miss the old, cooler Katie Holmes

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  2. This is a very cool movie and was instrumental for getting the Downey back on track so, for that, we should be eternally grateful! :)

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