Review of Zero Effect (1998) by Kieran T — 19 Dec 2008

This movie seems to really split viewers on its reviews. even my review is split within itself. there are some good elements to this film. I thought the relationship between Pullman and Dickens was relatively well done, Dickens conveys warmth and sexuality when she is on screen and Pullman plays off it well, and Stiller's Serious man character that he has played before fits in effectively.

There are many issues though. Kasdan, like with Walk Hard, needs to cut this down greatly. too many scenes don't work. it starts off as a dry witty comedy but that seems to have been forgotten 1 hour in. Pullman too easily moves between his crazy detective character to his smooth accountant, more time should have been spent with his problems and apparent fears of social interaction.

Apparently Kasdan remade this as a Pilot for a tv series, and I think that it would actual suit that medium better than it did here.