Review of Greenberg (2010) by Calvin D — 20 Jan 2011

I was wary when I started hearing good things about a Ben Stiller movie, because generally he belongs, in my mind, in that auto-hate group of actors that includes Vince Vaughan, Adam Sandler, John C. Reilly et al.

So imagine my surprise when Ben Stiller doesn't make one fart joke and manages to present a character who is equal parts pitiable and loveable; it's a wonderfully adroit performance, one which carries Baumbach's unremarkable screenplay further than the story itself would allow.

Still, the movie is overall a slow one, and I definitely wouldn't want to watch it again. Full marks for Stiller and the effortless Greta Gerwig, who elevate this movie to 3-stars territory. 6/10.