The only thing about this movie that I can't fault is the acting. Jack Black plays a convincing character without falling back on his usual comedy staple, and the rest of the cast aren't wooden and fit their respective parts very well.
The main issue I have with this film is understanding why it was made. The story isn't particularly interesting, even though it's true. The film feels overly long and drawn, and by the end you're hoping against hope that the pay-off for your time spent enduring the dullness and slow pace is going to be worth it, but it most definitely isn't. You're just left feeling unsatisfied and wondering why whoever decided to make the film felt it worth making, as it was very much not worth watching. The story really didn't need telling further than perhaps a short article in a local newspaper.
If it had been beautifully shot, directed, scripted... anything really, it might have done something to dispel the disappointment, but it wasn't. Everything about this film, other than perhaps the acting, is decidedly average and uninspiring, with a storyline and ending to match.
The main issue I have with this film is understanding why it was made. The story isn't particularly interesting, even though it's true. The film feels overly long and drawn, and by the end you're hoping against hope that the pay-off for your time spent enduring the dullness and slow pace is going to be worth it, but it most definitely isn't. You're just left feeling unsatisfied and wondering why whoever decided to make the film felt it worth making, as it was very much not worth watching. The story really didn't need telling further than perhaps a short article in a local newspaper.
If it had been beautifully shot, directed, scripted... anything really, it might have done something to dispel the disappointment, but it wasn't. Everything about this film, other than perhaps the acting, is decidedly average and uninspiring, with a storyline and ending to match.