Review of Me and Orson Welles (2008) by Andrew G — 17 Apr 2010

The only real reason to see Me and Orson Welles is Christain McKay's uncanny performance of Orson Welles. He was spot-on and perfect. The rest of the movie isn't as good as he is ... which is disappointing.

I hate to poke a finger in Claire Danes's direction; but she has been known to be box office poison and this is another one of her box-office duds. It really made me think of another Danes pic, Stage Beauty, although Orson Welles was a bit better because the subject matter was easier to relate to.

The story follows young high-school student Zack Efron as he encounters Orson Welles' theater troop in the streets and comes away from the encounter with a job! He is told that he is replacing another young lad who had clashed with Welles -- both of their egos were apparently too big.

Efron assures everyone that won't be a problem with him and he seems to take quite easily to the stage. Trouble arises when he falls for the troops young secretary -- Danes. She is eager for his attention and most definitely doesn't turn it away; but we soon find out he isn't the only one paying her the attention.

Orson Welles is too ... so ... put two and two together and you see the problem that will soon arise in the story. The movie is watchable and good; but it isn't great. The only thing great here is McKay.

This is not a typical Richard Linklater film and was surprised to find out he had anything to do with this although he does a fine job with the pacing of the story. I didn't dislike this film; it just wasn't as good as I had hoped for it to be.

Efron is a bit in over his head here but he sure tries. I guess it is good to see him get into some artsy instead of looking for the next High School Musical franchise to jumpstart.