The Deal

This could have been good if it were actually funny. Humor is obviously subjective, but based on the 6.1 rating on here, most viewers did not subjectively find this film funny either.

There is not remotely a believable, moving, or memorable moment to save this unfunny "comedy." Macy usually provides some human warmth to his characters, but even he could not save this terrible script. Macy's relationship with Ryan is not touching, and the two have no chemistry whatsoever.

Also, Meg Ryan, who was never good looking to begin with, now looks like a freak: gross!

Grade: F

Saw it last night (April 5th) at Philly Film Festival. Mr. Macy, Jason Ritter and Fiona Glascott were all present and were gracious to the max.

This film was clearly a labor of love and had a very difficult "birthing". But it never connected with me in any significant way (especially the "quasi-insider making of a movie" road it took us down).

Macy as ALWAYS is magnificent. Meg Ryan is...well Meg Ryan and that is NOT all things bad. I think Jason Ritter has a great future in the business (and did fine work in the late and very lamented TV Show Joan of Arcadia too).

But I thought the plot as far as I could discern it was both muddled and totally unbelievable. I know it made sense to folks more in tune with things that could go right/wrong/changes of direction in getting a film greenlighted and made.But I'm far from an insider so the references were quite lost on me for the most part.

To me it doesn't quite make it as satire (or I didn't get it) and not funny enough to be a sustained comedy.

But I truly hope it is just me and this film gets an audience and makes $$ for those (especially Mr. Macy) who put their heart, soul and funds into its making.

The Deal is a terrifyingly accurate portrayal of cut-throat Hollywood. Williams H Macy stars as a producer on a relentless pursuit of getting his movie made. Meg Ryan co-stars as a studio head in this dry comedy. William H Macy can do more than just act. HE CAN WRITE! He transcends his normal boundaries of story-telling as a stunning character actor, to bringing charters alive from the page. He is charming and brings the whole idea of "delightful destruction" to his character while mocking the Hollywood film industry. If you like Meg Ryan then you will not be disappointed with this film. She brings the Meg Ryan we know and love to this character. LL Cool J also stars as a Jewish action star in this comedy that you will not want to miss!

Before watching The Deal I read some positive reviews from over excited people, thought I was going to be in for a treat, certainly with William H. Macy and Meg Ryan in the cast, two actors that I appreciate, but in the end it was just disappointing. The acting was good though, but the story is just a bit boring. And it's not the couple comedy scenes that were going to save this picture. I wished I liked it more but I didn't, I was actually glad when I saw the end credits appear, felt like a three hour movie instead of half that time.

It would have been nice if there are other users who commented before me, so that I can just copy paste their comments and edit it, rather than having to write it myself. Haha Kidding, it would not be nice to read comments that you know you've read it somewhere else, makes it like something kinda like deja vu, no ? My point exactly. This film is original, and a refreshing watch, after being fed by the many films Hollywood churned out that more or less have the same storyline. This film is original, one has to watch it to the end (without pressing fast forward button, I might add) and felt good that the ending is good.

I enjoyed the film very much, and even though it's not Oscar material, it's undeniably a good film. While I expect there are trolls lurking in the Internet, ready to discredit whatever good comments one make, I do not mind the least bit.

Recommended watch, especially to those who want storyline that is different than the usual ones they usually watch on their telly.