Review of Dedication (2007) by Eva P — 09 Dec 2008

Independent pictures usually bring out the best in performers and Dedication is no exception. This movie tells the story of a socially retarded children's book writer, played by a washed up and older looking Billy Crudup, who loses his best/only friend, and illustrator, only to bond with his newly assigned work partner played by an almost emo-influenced Mandy Moore.

The unique style of story telling unravels in an artistic manner. Kudo's go to the actor turned director Justin Theroux, who manages to turn a mediocre screenplay into one that actually captivates audiences into wanting more, all the while knowing how the story concludes- guy gets girl! Mandy Moore whose attempts as an actress have only led to critically doomed outcomes consecutively, finally presents her finest to audiences. This is very well her most strongest and mature performance of her 8 year acting career, providing to critics the promise that she does have potential to become a serious actress given that she is provided with the right direction and the respectable roles. Crudup whose arguably the driving force of the movie, gives a performance that clearly requires talent to succeed naturally. Coming a long way from the junkie rocker in Almost Famous, his capability in exhibiting diversity through the choice of roles, indicates that a nomination is not too far down the line for this veteran. Like a true social recluse, Crudup engages the audience in a full circle love-hate game, one that includes serious empathy and disgust.

Classifying this as a romantic comedy would be unjust, as there is a significant proportion of the male audience who are bound to enjoy this film, as it is romantically challenged being a love-story. The characters minimal engagement of maudlin gestures and the cold-hearted lines spewed out by the Crudup's character may be a winner amongst the male demographic.

Finally another story line, that makes this movie unique is one with Tom Wilkinson's character- the pain, suffering and repercussion of losing a friend and the constant re-imagining of scenarios as a psychological consequence of denial was something unusual for a love story. Yet, it fitted the puzzle in an unconventional manner.