Review of What Just Happened (2008) by Chad M — 30 Apr 2009

Another strange film that might have been better if the ending hadn't left you going, "Wait...that's it??" I do like that it's a kind of metafilm: Sean Penn as Sean Penn and Bruce Willis as Bruce Willis, in films produced by a character named Ben played by Robert De Niro, and the actual film that YOU are watching was co-produced by Robert De Niro.

I was excited to see Stanley Tucci and Catherine Keener on the cast list, but both their comedic talents are, for the most part, wasted. Bruce Willis is funny in an over-the-top way, but Michael Wincott, who plays the writer/director of "Fiercely" (a film-within-the-film), utterly steals every scene he's in.

My favorite hilarious thing is that a lot of "What Just Happened" is set to the soundtrack of "Fiercely." Bottom line: this movie's worth watching if you're into, or know much about, the film-making scene--if not, don't bother.