Efeito Zero

is whether it can withstand a subsequent viewing. Zero Efect does. The only tragedy concerning this uniquely styled mystery will be if its Director (Jake Kasden) and scriptwriters never produce a sequel.

In TV reviews this film is accurately billed as a - wickedly quirky detective comedy thriller. It is safe to say the old cliché they-don't-make-them-like-that-anymore applies, and in truth, they probably never made them like this beforehand either! The one resemblance to other filmmakers work is that there is a Coen-esquire; vibe to it. A true compliment indeed.

Usually, American movies often high on gloss, glitter and noise lack the essential ingredient that compels viewers to become completely engrossed: that of depth. Or more precisely, the hook is depth and complexity. Here, offbeat quirkiness provides the humour. A non-format story pans out to provide novelty. A moderately paced detective story throws up one surprising twist after another, backed musically where appropriate to support the flawlessly acted evolution of an ever-deepening plot. All of which combine to unravel a charming, cogent mystery.

The problem this finely balanced inventive film creates is that by comparison it brings home the paucity of run-of-the-mill who-dun-its. Given the summary above Zero Effect, and films of this ilk, may prove more suited to European than American audiences. Films that make the viewer do some work ultimately tend to be the most absorbing and successful (e.g. recall - The Usual Suspects).

The five central characters each achieve the professional actors quest of being thoroughly and seamlessly believable, subtly injecting humour, pathos, unpredictability and sensitivity. You can easily empathise with them as their characterisations play out. Kasden's film excels as what must be the definitive comical mystery in all respects, perhaps setting the benchmark for future detective films to surpass.

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This was a really pleasant surprise. I didn't know what to expect before watching this film, but what I got was a great movie that featured some really good performances. Stiller and O'Neal are solid, but the always-likeable Bill Pullman is the real standout here. There are lots of great moments in this film, many of them comedic, and except for an occasionally slow pace during the second half, I was greatly entertained throughout. Definitely worth checking out this movie.

OK, I thought this was an excellent movie. Having said that, where is the credit to Arthur Conan Doyle? When movies are based on the works of Shakespeare, such as modern day versions of Hamlet and Macbeth they always credit Shakespeares works.

Compare Zero Effect to A Scandal in Bohemia.

Compare the character Zero to Holmes: 1. both use drugs 2. both play a musical instrument 3. both apply astounding powers of observation to solve cases 4. both use disguises 5. both are loners who rely on their intermediaries (Watson/Arlo)

In Zero Effect, Arlo deals with conflicts between his romantic life and Zero's need of him to function. In A Scandal In Bohemia, Watson has recently married and Holmes and Waston must deal with the issue.

The first line of A Scandal In Bohemia reads: "To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman."

Guess what, in the end Sherlock doesn't get the girl and he admires her as his most capable adversary. I guess Doyle must have a copy of Zero Effect stashed away somewhere.

Again, I will say I thought is was a fantastic movie. I'm not always a big fan of Pullman, but he was excellent in the role. If you are considering not watching this movie because you don't like Ben Stiller, well don't let that stop you. He takes his normal persona down a couple notches. Don't expect to see any traces of Zoolander or Meet the Parents.

I used to work in a video store in the olden days, and this movie was a little known gem that I used to recommend to customers. I just rewatched it for the first time in a long, long time, and it still holds up.

I loved ZERO EFFECT and would heartily recommend the film to anyone who enjoys a great story told with great style and wit. Jake Kasdan is in his early 20's and has written and directed a wonderful film that belies his age and relative inexperience. I take my hat off to him. On this evidence he is a major talent and I can't wait to see what he does next.

When I heard about the plot of ZERO EFFECT, the story of an eccentric and reclusive, private detective and that this part would be played by Bill Pullman, I was sold on the film immediately. Bill Pullman is a wonderful actor who I admire greatly and is always a joy to watch on screen. The part of Daryl Zero is a very tricky one and very few actors could pull it off, but Bill was simply brilliant. The scene where we hear Daryl playing his guitar and singing a song but don't actually see him for about three minutes was perhaps the most wonderful introduction of a character I've seen in any film.

Ben Stiller provides sterling support as Daryl's right hand man and Ryan O'Neal (nice to see him again) and Kim Dickens are also terrific.

There are so many great lines in the film, particularly those where Daryl is explaining his methods of deduction and surveillance. His explanation of the best way to follow someone is priceless, as is his explanation on how to find things !

This film is a pure joy and very refreshing. Go see it !