Review of Barney's Version (2010) by Kirby P — 05 Aug 2011

The splendid "Barney's Version" is not based on Mr. Rubble's version on what happened when Fred Flintstone went bonkers and tried to assassinate Joe Rockhead after losing a bowling match (did that even happen in Bedrock?).

It is really a fascinating look on the tri-married life of Barney Panofsky, a cranky semi-alcoholic Jewish Canadian television producer who ended up being hitched three times during his adult life. His third marriage with Miriam Grant is the one that is primarily highlighted in the film.

Barney has an entourage of vigorous friends, notably the alcohol-induced Hemingway-esque Boogie. Barney's boogie nights & days with Boogie was something that Barney treasured, even though a heated encounter with Boogie plays a big bang to the movie's narrative.

Director Richard J. Lewis' directorial version of Mordecai Richler's novel is embodied with a fascinating subjective view that it does feel as if you are in the barnyard called Barney's eventful life alongside with Barney.

Screenwriter Michael Konyves' wit-filled script was versed with rich ingenuity. Paul Giamatti's stupendous lead performance as Barney was as golden as they come, and was very deserving of its Best Actor Comedy/Musical Golden Globe honor; it's just too bad it did not make the cut in the Best Actor Academy Award version.

Rosamund Pike has just risen a few pikes in thespian respectability with her solid work as Miriam. Can't say the same about the over-the-top acting antics of Minnie Driver as the second Mrs. P, who I wanted to separate from every time she appeared on screen.

A couple of Hoffmen did favorably support the acting cause here; one being Jake Hoffman as Barney's son Michael; and the other is Jake's real life one & only dad, that being the one & only Dustin Hoffman whose scene-stealing work as Barney's charismatic & vociferous father Izzy was vividly entertaining.

Scott Speedman also got his acting boogie down with his boozy-doozy performance as Boogie. But this is primarily Giamatti's vehicle, and his grand performance is the top reason why an excursion to "Barney's Version" is worth the trip! **** Good.