Review of Smart People (2008) by Jim W — 02 Mar 2009

Smart People is a little similar to Wonder Boys which starred Michael Douglas. Dennis Quaid's character reminded me a lot of Douglas' anyway. I mean you have a homeless looking professor who's writing a book which might not be publishable.

Ellen Page plays his smart daughter who's of course just as sarcastic as she was in Juno. She's still pretty entertaining though and gives a good performance.

Thomas Haden Church probably gives the freshest performance in the movie though. I didn't think much of him in Spiderman 3 but in comedies, he's pretty entertaining. He plays Quaid's adopted brother who moves in. He may seem dimwitted but he might be the wisest of them.

While Sarah Jessica Parker also does fine work as a former student of Quaid's that he starts dating. Quaid is really good but I felt that the changes his character goes through are a little forced. He kind of becomes more likable out of nowhere.

Despite that, the film is likable and entertaining. It also has a good amount of charm. Just don't expect non-stop laughs or anything new from Ellen Page. But if you liked her in Juno, you'll probably like her in Smart People just as much.