Review of Wonder Boys (2000) by Aliya D — 30 Aug 2008

Director Curtis Hanson adapts Michael Chabon's acclaimed book and delivers a gripping dramedy about the writing process and life choices. Michael Douglas plays Grady Tripp, a famous writer and teacher that faces some weird and unusual situations during a contrived weekend.

Grady tries to help James (played by the excellent Tobey Maguire), a confused yet brilliant student who is feeling unsure about his life and its future options. Together, the two "wonder boys" will come clean with themselves and redefine their main goals and priorities.

But, before they reach that scenario, a couple of offbeat adventures unfold. Curtis Hanson (LA Confidential, 8 Mile) provides an edgy and hip movie, presenting a true-to-life (in a way) and witty plot, well-crafted characters, superb acting, stunning cinematography and an adequate score.

Although this picture is a bit overrated, it still deserves some praise as it delivers a captivating and absorbing cinematic experience. However, sometimes it's way too clever for its own good, and the story is hardly groundbreaking material.

The ending is not the best, either. Still, Wonder Boys works fine as an edgy Hollywood effort, expertly mixing alternative and mainstream elements to create an intelligent and entertaining piece of filmaking, courtesy of Curtis Hanson's ecclectism.

Deserves a look.