The Muse

Rating:
Summary: There's One Born Every Minute ...
Review: This incredibly far fetched non-sense is certainly one of Albert Brooks' lesser achievements. A moderately successful Hollywood screen writer hits "the wall" and is told by everyone in the business that he's yesterday's donut. Enter Sharon Stone as the "muse" who is to turn his life back on track and then insure it takes off to new heights. Excentric doesn't discribe the muse. This woman has invented lavish living (at her clints' expense).

Both Brooks and his wife (Andie MacDowell) seem "inspired" by Stone's presence. MacDowell starts an extremely successful cookie baking business, and Brooks comes up with new ideas for a comedy script. The plot hobbles along, and an inevidable twist towards the end is the final slap in the face for those who had just unwisely invested an hour and a half of life they'll never get back. A luke-warm Elton John theme song does nothing to rescue this lemon. Have another look at the FUNNY "Mother" and forget "The Muse".**

Rating:
Summary: The Muse
Review: This is an extremely brilliant and very funny film. I absolutely loved it!

Rating:
Summary: if Albert Brooks is funny, this must be his worst
Review: This is the only Albert Brooks film I've seen, and it's unfair to judge a writer, director, or actor (all three, in this case) on the basis of a single film. That said, I found it extremely difficult to believe that any of this man's films could be funny or enjoyable. The film is unsubtle, badly paced, and silly. The dialogue always falls short of real comic inspiration. Nothing terrible - just consistent mediocrity. Judging from "The Muse," Albert Brooks's movies seems to be dull versions of Woody Allen's. This is beginner's-level comedy and not worth anyone's time or money. (A cameo by Steven Wright does provide some comic relief.)

NOTE: After seeing Brooks's hilarious performance and improv outtakes on the new "Simpsons" first-season DVD collection, I have revised my opinion. Clearly he is very funny. But if he is able to make good movies, "The Muse" is not good evidence.

Rating:
Summary: A great movie!
Review: this movie is probably one of my favorites. Screenwriter Stephen Phillips (albert brooks) falls out of favor in the production studio. He hits a wall in his career. His friend (jeff bridges) refers him to the muse (sharon stone) who will inspire him to write the best script he ever wrote. Sarah, the muse, demands many things from Stephen and she is very picky and irritating. His wife Laura(Andie macdowell) becomes very suspicious but then also becomes inspired by the muse. there is also a twist at the end that will make you think! this movie is very smart and very funny. The picture of the DVD isnt as clear as you would expect but it is only a minor flaw. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes good comedy. two thumbs up!!!

Rating:
Summary: Funny and Inspiaring
Review: This movie is really funny I could barley stop laphing. Plus this is a insperating film. When it first came out to the thetear I wanted to see it but I was in no rush.So know it is out on video and it is just a really good film.I recomend this movie it is really good and they are not trying to be too funny which is good because if they are trying then it is not really funny and it ends up geting boring.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely cool
Review: This movie rocks! It was funny and cleverly written with a very commendable plot. The nice slew of cameos and ingenious timing of their appearance added to the overall enjoyment of this movie. I recommend thsi movie for anyone who wants a good laugh.

Rating:
Summary: Really Cool Movie!!!
Review: This was a overall excellent movie. Albert Brooks is hilarious.
Sharon Stone is "inspiring" Andie MacDowell is charming. Jeff
Bridges is normal. A overall fun and fantastic movie.

Rating:
Summary: Brooks needs a muse for real
Review: What's most ironic about _The Muse_ is the fact that the plight befalling its main character is equally troubling Albert Brooks himself. Like his fictional counterpart, Brooks has entered a creative dry spell with _The Muse_, offering up neither writing nor acting that particularly satisfies.

Though the film's concept-that traditional Greek muses walk among us and *must* be put up in a suite at the Four Seasons-has the initial appeal of novelty about it, the ending negates all the promise of the setup. Instead of taking the setup to an interesting conclusion, Brooks creates an air of unreality and then walks away from it. Better endings have been written for Christmas episodes of sitcoms.

As if anticipating the dismal ending, most of the actors fumble their way passionlessly through their lines-including, oddly, Brooks himself. He could've surely used an objective eye to help direct him in his own scenes--he's largely more grating than welcome. As his wife, Andie MacDowell is absolutely miscast, as unable to show the emotions her lines call for as she is to find an accent and stick with it. Of the three principals, the only actor to turn in an enjoyable performance is Stone, who is perfect for the role. Unfortunately, the role itself is far from perfect, and never gives Stone much to work with.

Likewise, the Hollywood commentary might've been fresh at one time, but here it seems pale and imitative. There are scenes which are almost entirely evocative of _The Player_, not just in substance, but in visual composition. The restaurant scene, in particular, could've been lifted directly from that much better film. And _Bowfinger_ delvers better, less whiny laughs about the movie making process itself.

In sum, this film is a negligible achievement that will leave all but the most diehard Albert Brooks fan unhappy--if not downright angry--that they bothered.

(DVD notes: The extra features here are minimal. There's no additional audio commentary of any kind and the behind-the-scenes featurette is short. The DVD isn't significantly better, therefore, than the VHS, unless you just really want the convenience of chapter search.)