Review of Zero Effect (1998) by Kenneth S — 09 Feb 2010
First saw this gem in high school and watched it again recently because I remember liking it back then. This is not the typical mystery movie, even though we are treated to a plot that might come from an episode of CSI.
The characters reveal their motives, and yet we don't feel a bit of hatred for them. For me, that's the sign of a great drama. Bill Pullman plays an unconventional detective in the vein of Sherlock Holmes or Monk.
He is neurotic, anti-social and hidden. The only person he has a remote connection toward is Ben Stiller (in what may be his least annoying role of all time) as his second banana and outward face. Rounding out the cast are Ryan O'Neal as the overbearing, over-the-edge "victim" and Kim Dickens as the woman with something to hide.
Each one brings their own stunning chops to the roles and they make an already funny film even better. For being a directional neophyte, Jake Kasdan proved himself beyond anyone's expectations here.
To this day, this remains my favorite film by him. Zero Effect is the best mystery film of the late 1990's.
This review of Zero Effect (1998) was written by Kenneth S on 09 Feb 2010.
Zero Effect has generally received positive reviews.
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