Review of Dedication (2007) by Tyler B — 07 Apr 2008

Dedication.

2007.

Drama (Comedy).

Rated: R.

Running Time: 95 minutes.

Starring: Billy Crudup, Tom Wilkinson, Mandy Moore, Diane Wiest, Martin Freeman.

Directed By: Justin Theroux.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Outline.

A child writer with OCD faces a tough challenge with the passing of his friend and must complete a new book with a new illustrator while facing the prospect of life all by his lonesome.

Review.

This is a tale about an obsessive compulsive and completely neurotic childrens author Henry Roth played by Billy Crudup. He and long time partner and child book illustrator Rudy Holt played by Tom Wilkinson are perfect for each other as they are miserable examples of the human condition. After Rudys untimely passing Henry is being forced by his publisher to finish a contractual childrens book with the help of a young and attractive illustrator Lucy Reilly (Mandy Moore). The film is all about awkward relationships formed and the quick destructive dialogue from Henry. I am going to warn you now on two fronts. The first is the dialogue and the message Henry is bringing is undeniably rude and crass and not for everyone. So if you do not like this sort of thing then this movie is probably not for you. Secondly this films originality is somewhat lacking as it is very reminiscent of the film As Good as it Gets. Although the dialogue is harsher in this film the story is very similar. Billy Crudup although no Jack Nicholson is still great and no matter who he is dealing with on screen he seems to connect with them. It may not always be funny and sometimes it is awkward to the point of uncomfortable but he always seems to hit his mark. Henry and Rudys relationship worked well because they are both miserable and connect on an angry volatile level. While Henry and Lucys relationship works for they connect on a purely opposite personality angle. Inevitably Henry falls for the gorgeous Lucy and he tries to win her affections. Normally I hate these story lines as the guy is way to messed up to be with a woman of Lucys beauty. In this film however they made Lucys life completely messed up as well and although the pairing is awkward and unappealing to look at it, it works never the less. Mandy Moore is one of my favorite actors that has come from the music industry and while she is merely average in this film it is a refreshing change she did not sing in any shape or form. The films build up is very slow but entertaining as Henry seems to have free reign to say anything he wants while never caring who he hurts or offends. His conversations with the dead image of Rudy while stretching in the design seems to add to the films quirkiness and mental instability of Henry. While this particular storyline wasnâ??t my favorite it never seemed to detract from the films feel. It is refreshing to watch a film like this as the dark humor is definitely a refreshing change to most of the bubblegum romantic comedy that is normally put out. Everything seems to be put on hiatus as you watch Henry try his best to win Lucy over and his horrifying mental state seems to add a certain element of charm to make you want him too succeed. The film has a very surprise supporting character in Bob Balaban playing the man who needs the book completed. His calm unassuming humor provided a nice balance to the stories darker undercurrent. The film concludes typically and while it was nothing special allowed you to see that you should never judge a book by its cover. I do recommend this film solely on Billy Crudups character and portrayal of said character. Although the film is lacking in its originality it more then makes up for it with its intelligent design.

T Factor + Like darker humor then this could score higher on the rating scale.

T Factor â?? If you like truly original stories then this could score lower on the rating scale.

If you liked this film reel recommendations: As Good as it Gets, or Trust the Man.