Rating: 
Summary: Zero Effect
Review: Daryl Zero (Bill Pullman) is the greatest private investigator in the world, but he's an eccentric mess when he's not working.
This movie is about a particular case which he and his "representative" Steve Arlo (Ben Stiller) get involved in.
I felt that this movie was well directed. The opening scene, switching between Arlo describing Daryl Zero to a potential client and describing him to a drinking buddy, is perfect.
The "P.I. work" aspect of this movie is handled well. If you enjoy watching amazing feats of knowlege and deduction you will enjoy this movie. Also very well done, is the comedic aspect. Daryl Zero has some very funny moments, especially when he's narrating the memoir of his investigatory technique, which he is writing. These things take center stage over the actual mystery and surprises.
Although I am a fan of Ben Stiller his character in this movie was nothing spectacular. It seems, to me, he only shines when he's playing an over-the-top character such as in "Heavy Weights" or "Zoolander". When he's playing a 'normal' character he can be rather boring in my opinion. Daryl seems to be the only character who has much depth until Gloria Sullivan (Kim Dickens) enters the picture. Some might think the romance between Daryl and Gloria (whom he investigates) detracted from the movie. Usually I dislike romance in movies, because its shallow and corny. In this movie I actually found it worked well and did not succumb to either of the aforementioned flaws. Perhaps it was because I found the two characters likable and real. It did, however, slow the movie down some and there may be those who would not appreciate it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent detective.
Review: Modern version of Sherlock Holmes...with Ben Stiller as Watson. Pullman is electric as the troubled PI. There are some holes in the plot but the overall effect of classic mystery elements & colorful detective in a 1990s setting is well worth checking out. Excellent music; although nothing is made of surround sound and the transfer to dvd is just ok. Technical aspects aside, this is above average fare. Great atmospheric shots of Portland, OR.
Rating:
Summary: Maybe the best movie of 1998...
Review: This is an extremely entertaining little film - with Bill Pullman providing most of the laughs - alongside the usually comic Ben Stiller - who is somewhat serious in this role. The film is about an extremely talented private dick who is inexperienced in his own personal life - which takes an almost classic twist (reminiscent of some old hollywood films) when he falls for the charms of someone - who turns out to be equally adept at hiding things. This is a very unique, intelligent movie that will leave you satisfied and a little bit excited about what you have seen. I think this gives us a glimpse of what hollywood these days is capable of, but rarely delivers - a charming character study!
Rating: 
Summary: Zero Effect
Review: Yes, it's quirky and offbeat. The characterizations are well-done (I really enjoyed Stiller's portrayal of the "sidekick").But the plot itself is a bit contrived; plot developments tend to appear out of thin air, rather than as a result of the actions of the protagonists, and some of them feel clumsy. The pacing is irregular, dragging through characterizations then spurting forward with developments, and then repeating the cycle (which, admittedly, isn't necessarily a detraction from a movie, but I noticed it and didn't like it in this one). All in all, it was a pleasant enough diversion, especially if you like the lead actors, but ultimately forgettable.
Rating:
Summary: Clever Sherlock Holmes adaptation
Review: If you have ever read about Sherlock Holmes you will recognize him in Darel Zero. Extremely observant and intelligent man who is lacking social graces and therefore requires a front man, played here by Ben Stiller. There is also a subplot about a brilliant lady that matches wits with the hero and wins his admiration. There are more similarities to Holmes, but this film is not lesser for them. It is a funny, clever, and suspensful film about one's true nature. I really enjoyed this movie and definitely recommend it.
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