This movie surprised me. I was expecting a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy, most of which I can’t help but switch off from by the middle of the predictable story-line. But this movie was different; not only was it charmingly funny and not over-sweetly romantic, it held a sort of frank, unpretentious uniqueness that many film lack these days.
The film centres on Harold Crick, a man stuck in a life of mundane routine and solitude, who one day suddenly finds himself hearing the voice of a woman skilfully narrating aspects of his life. From that point on his life spirals out of control- but as we find out, that may not exactly be a bad thing.
The acting was superb (Will Ferrell! Who would have thought!?), with each character endearing in their own exceptional way (the narrator herself I fell in love with- the way she immersed herself in her books- it was obvious throughout the film that her writing did not only control the fate of Harold Crick, but her own life as well). The film was also dusted with some small, perfect moments which charmed me completely. The scene at the guitar shop. The ocean of files. The first kiss. The look between the professor and narrator at the end of it.
All in all I give this movie a splendid 9/10. If you want something light but worthwhile, this is it.
Link to online film: here
Some quotes:
Harold Crick: This may sound like gibberish to you...but I think I'm in a tragedy.
Penny Escher: [in hospital] What are we doing here? I don't even think we're supposed to be in here.
Kay Eiffel: You told me I needed visual stimulation.
Penny Escher: Yeah, I meant a museum or something.
Kay Eiffel: I don't need a museum. I need the infirm.
Penny Escher: You are the infirm.
Harold Crick: Miss Pascal, I think I owe you an apology. IRS agents... we're given rigorous aptitude tests before we can work. Unfortunately for you, we aren't tested on tact or good manners. So... I-I... I apologize. I o-ogled you....Sorry.
Pause.
Ana Pascal: Apology accepted ...(pause)...But only because you stammered.
Kay Eiffel: (gives her a sarcastic look) I don't need a nicotine patch, Penny. I smoke cigarettes.
