Review of Hollywoodland (2006) by Joel M — 05 Oct 2008

"Hollywoodland" is based on the apparent suicide of George Reeves. He played Superman in the famed 50's television series. Some have felt that Reeves death was more of a "foul play" move than a "self-destruction play" move.

That is the focus of "Hollywoodland". Adrian Brody stars as Louis Simo, a shady private eye who is hired by Reeve's mother to investigate if Reeves had a few Lex Luthorian enemies that wanted him dead.

It's a bird, it's a plane, no it's 'Affleck"! Yes! Believe it or not, I can "insure" you that the character of George Reeves was superbly played by none other than Ben Affleck.

Diane Lane plays who else but her real life mother Lois Lane! Kidding! Lane plays Toni Mannix, the wife of a Hollywood production bighead who shacks it up with Reeves. Robin Tunney plays Leonore Lemmon the conniving.

obsessive Reeves fiancée. What about Bob? Bob Hoskins plays Eddie Mannix, the Tinsletown studio chief who could have "Mannixfactured" Reeves' death. The ensemble acting was adequate here, especially Affleck's high-flying performance.

However, "Hollywoodland" was Hollywood suicide. Screenwriter Paul Bernbaum "burned" and "bombed" with his monotonous screenplay. Director Allen Coulter's depiction of Reeve's story lacked intuitive elements and absorbing qualities.

To put it in lenient terms, "Hollywoodland" lacked the wood to captivate an audience. The only worthy aspect to "watch" of Hollywoodland is Big Ben's performance! ** Needs Improvement.