Rating: 
Summary: Wonder Movie
Review: Finally had a chance to see this movie on DVD and my only regret is that I didn't get the opportunity to see it sooner. No, wait, I have a second regret - that I didn't have time to watch it again immediately after the first look.This is a movie the viewer watches in awe for a number of reasons: Awesome story: What's going to happen next and why doesn't it phase Grady Tripp in the least despite the fact that it's likely to be bad and he can't possibly anticipate it? Awsome direction: how does Hanson seemlessly weave all these apparently diverse characters into a continous story line? Awesome emotions: Just when the audience is looking for a sad note, the cast, writer and director find a way to get a laugh. This film is not funny in the spirit of the Marx Brothers, What's Up Doc? or Animal House. The laughs come unexpectedly and from left field and quickly move the viewer into the next scene before he/she realizes it. Micheal Douglas is superb as Grady Tripp, professor and one time (trying to become at least two time) author, whose life is in a shambles. Despite the insanity in Tripp's life, Douglas lets Tripp just roll with it. Toby Maguire portrays the strangely interesting character James Leer who is overly interested in suicide and a budding author himself. McDormand shines as Tripp's true love as the chancellor of the university where Tripp teaches. Robert Downey is absolutely whacky as Tripp's editor whose life is hitting the rocks in its own way. Katie Holmes is excellent as Tripp's tenant who just might want to do more than sleep in his house. Despite the crazy weekend Tripp is living through there is little happening to the characters that doesn't fit or seems out of place. At the end, the viewer is treated to Bob Dylan's rockin' theme "Things Have Changed." In the background, the film is almost a guide to writing a novel or story. The things that are happening to Grady screams, "this is your novel...this is how to do it!" If only he would take a moment to see it. Terrific performances and great film.
Rating:
Summary: To be a writer is great fun, after all!
Review: First of all it is an extremely funny film with plenty of grotesque and incredible situations that are decently exploited to create some lurid situations and narrative. The perambulating dead dog is by far the best element, though the perambulating Marylin Monroe wedding coat is just as funny, though with a little bit more gusto and human depth. But it is also a picture of what writers are, how they become writers, where they find their imagination and inspiration, how they work on it to produce some work of art or work of fiction, how they live in their everyday life and in their professional life, how they do odd jobs, even university professor, to survive in-between books or plainly income waves. You add to that several sexual situations that are by far funny both ah-ah and strange and you have a hectic picture of what an ordeal such a life is : you lose your wife, you steal the wife of your boss, you kill his dog, you steal his precious property, you have to cope with transvestites and other gay or non-gay nymphomaniac both male and female people, you have to feed boys from rich families who rough it in a bus station in order to do what they want, to be independent and to realize what is a dream, you have to have your boss's book published, though it is austere s**t, in order to get your new book through and the book of your genius student put on the market, you have to lie to cops, to steal a car without knowing your are stealing it, you have to make your boss's wife pregnant just because cheating him is what makes you go on in a blind alley and forget that it is a blind alley, etc, etc. To be a writer in today's world is just a permanent ordeal in which you have to do everything unethical, everything farfetched and havoc-like just to have the fun and the thrills you need to fill up an empty page with some mental vomit that might eventually become golden plated and a best seller, which does not prove much anyway, except that you will be able to get some dough out of it and that will prevent you from going on with your surviving drudgery and slavery. It is better to be the slave of a publisher than the slave of a university when you do have some imaginative gem in your gut, is it or isn't it ? Dr Jacques COULARDEAU
Rating: 
Summary: Solid Movie with Great Acting
Review: Murphy's Law dictates that everything that can possibly go wrong will go wrong, at the worst possible moment, and the movie Wonder Boys, adapted from the novel by Michael Chabon, is a two-hour exploration of that maxim. Professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is a middle-aged writer and English professor, teaching at a small Pittsburgh university. Having found spectacular success with his first novel, he now suffers from a seven-year case of writer's block on his second, which has ballooned up to more than 2600 single-spaced pages. Compounding this professional crisis is an array of personal woes: his third wife has just left him; his young student Hannah Green (Katie Holmes) is constantly hitting on him; he's just discovered that his mistress, Sara Gaskell (Frances McDormand), is pregnant. She drops her little bomb on Tripp on the eve of WordFest, a writers' conference, which Tripp's editor Terry Crabtree (Robert Downey, Jr.) is attending in hopes of finally reading the professor's long-awaited sophomore novel. To boot, Sara is the chancellor of the university where Tripp works, and her husband Walter (Richard Thomas) is the head of the English department--Tripp's boss. In an effort to escape this morass of problems, but only exacerbating them, Tripp smokes pot more or less continually, as well as drinking and popping the occasional pill. But no amount of self-medication helps when Tripp's brilliant, depressive student James Leer (Tobey Maguire) shoots Walter Gaskell's dog and steals his prize piece of memorabilia, sparking a chain reaction of improbable and hilarious events. In trying to shield his young protege from the fallout, Tripp is forced to deal with his own personal and professional shortcomings, and to decide once and for all what he truly wants from his life. For the most part, the script is terrifically funny, offering up equal doses of dark humor and pathos. The university environment is lampooned particularly well, with all its swollen egos and artsy pretentiousness. Tripp is an imminently likable central character: gruff and crusty, full of mordant humor, but warm and compassionate despite his detached writer's irony. He's a nice guy who has managed to get his life completely screwed up, but his weaknesses make him all the more appealing. The viewer never stops wanting him to pull himself together and live up to his potential. The performances are almost uniformly excellent. Douglas is great as the decidedly unglamorous Tripp: bleary-eyed, unshaven, limping about in an old bathrobe, smoking joint after joint. Maguire is his usual brilliant self, bringing exactly the right touch of intelligence, charm, and confusion to the troubled Leer (a scene where he gets drunk and stoned in Tripp's in-laws' house is a highlight of the film). McDormand also shines in her role as the university chancellor; she and Douglas have an effortless chemistry together, their body language and facial expressions communicating the long history of the characters' love for each other. Downey provides a lot of smarmy fun as Crabtree, but he's equally effective in the character's more introspective moments--the viewer easily sees his concern for Tripp and the professional toll that the writer's sophomore slump has taken on his editor. Thomas is fun in his small role as the stereotypical pompous university administrator, and Holmes, while mostly there to provide some eye candy, has a nice scene where she tries gently to advise Tripp on what's wrong with his second novel. The film's greatest stylistic flaw is that it goes way overboard in its efforts to be quirky and off-beat; screenwriter Steve Kloves and director Curtis Hanson try to create an entire stew from an ingredient that should ideally be used as a spice. While it's certainly true that academia is known for having its fair share of eccentrics, it seems that nobody in this story can be an ordinary, normal person. Crabtree brings a tuba-playing transvestite to the party; Hannah always wears red cowboy boots; Walter is obsessed with the Marilyn Monroe-Joe DiMaggio marriage; the dog is blind; James can recite celebrity suicides in alphabetical order; Tripp lounges about in a long, pink bathrobe; the pregnant waitress at the bar is married to a James Brown lookalike; an English professor (Rip Torn) calls himself "Q." While all this oddball stuff is undeniably amusing, at times it threatens to be distracting; Kloves and Hanson really needed to dial the weirdness down a few notches. The main problem in terms of character is that seemingly nobody has to face the consequences of their actions. Everyone is let off with a literal or figurative slap on the wrist, and the ending, while very sweet on one hand is a little too pat on the other. The characters are sympathetic enough for the viewer to want things to work out for them, but nobody seems to learn or change or grow as a result of their misadventures. This robs most of the characters of any real development, and the story's conclusion loses some punch as a result. For all that, however, Wonder Boys is a solid, enjoyable film, one that handles a number of potentially thorny topics (drug use, unexpected pregnancy, adultery, homosexuality) with a commendably deft touch. In particular, Crabtree's pursuit of the sexually confused James is depicted amazingly well, resulting in a sweet and funny romantic interlude that is presented in a remarkably straightforward manner. Kloves and Hanson thankfully refrain from the embarrassing "gay acceptance" grandstanding that less able writers and directors might feel obliged to include. For this reason, and many others, Wonder Boys is definitely worth checking out as a rental or even adding to one's permanent DVD collection.
Rating:
Summary: Quirky and Zany
Review: A small town college is hosting a publishing fare for its students and Grady a english professor has the weekend that takes the cake. His wife left him, his lover is the chancellor of the college, his publisher wants his next book that he can't seem to finish and above all else a student needs his guidance and attentions. What else could go wrong you name it its in here. I loved the characters all flawed but in a touching gonna be alright sort of way and lots of laughing with a little heart ache to keep you interested. I loved this film and wondered about the novel it was based on. I will more than likely read the novel but definetly see the movie ..top notch acting and great story...........
Rating:
Summary: Not a Movie for the Intolerant, Most Others Will Enjoy It
Review: It surprises me that some reviewers are so shocked and bothered that there is adultery, dope-smoking, and (egads!) male homosexuality in this movie. Yeah, it's a modern, R-rated movie; I don't know what planet these people have been living on (the DVD is rated "not for sale to those under 18). But nothing in this film is particularly graphic -- the adulterous relationship is implied (no sex onscreen); the dope-smoking is brief (and not shown in a flattering light -- one character tells another that this substance abuse is part of his problem); and homosexuality is a part of life (and the young man "seduced" is shown to have literary tastes that would lead one to conclude that he's probably stereotypically gay to begin with, and the gay love scene is also off-screen). So, if you are a grown-up that has lived in America for the past 35 years or so, there's nothing to be shocked about in this movie. That aside, it's a fine movie. You don't know what to expect. It's more of a character piece than an action movie, but it keeps you entertained from start to finish. The characters are nicely drawn, and there's plenty of humor. The acting is excellent throughout. Tobey MacGuire is particularly good, as is Robert Downey, Jr. (even in spite of the fact that they play those dreaded gay characters!). Michael Douglas also gives one of his better performances in many years. He's actually not even annoying in this one.
Rating:
Summary: Chock Full of Stock Types--but Worth a Look
Review: "Wonder Boys" came with a sterling recommendation from a friend--an MFA in creative writing--who swore it was the most true-to-life movie about writers he'd ever seen. So, I watched it with the appropriate mixture of anticipation and reservation, and as often happens when something is hyped, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. In fairness, it's a pretty well-made movie, a kind of indie ... that has a sense of grit and gristle usually missing from Hollywood films. The soundtrack is cool. The locations are Pennsylvania dingy. It captures the oaken squalor and pompous self-importance that is a four-year college English Department (even if no one there ever does any work). And it has a stellar cast; Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Frances McDormand, in particular, deserve kudos for inhabiting their roles. But, the movie also has Robert Downey, Jr., to contend with, which makes me wonder just what compromising photos his agent has to regularly get this one-note male version of Winona Ryder work. It wants to be set in the late 60s, though it purports to be contemporary. And it's characters--while quirky--never quite seem arthouse authentic; in fact, Douglas' Grady Tripp is the rumpled, immature, oversexed pothead everyone thinks is the prototypical English professor, right down to sleeping with the department chair's wife (McDormand). Of course, there are professors who fit this stereotype, or at least parts of it, but the combination is cliche and calculated to give Grady excuses for his screw-ups rather than show him to genuinely be a screw-up. The plot is mostly a mishmash of set-ups for ironic, semi-literate dramedy--think "Sports Night" meets "Henry and June"--as Grady's intoxicated life starts to come apart, and by the time his fecund manuscript blows into the river (Grady eschews word processors and photocopiers, it seems), it devolves into farce. And it uses a voiceover, a big no-no among screenwriters! Still, even with all that against it--and a happy ending, to boot--there is just enough goofy charm to make "Wonder Boys" worth a look, mostly the result of the actors' sincerity. If you're a writer or, goodness help you, an English professor, just remember to keep one eye closed.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely amazing
Review: One of the best movies I have ever seen. Michael Douglas was wonderful, along with Tobey Maguire, but the story line was the most hysterical and well thought out. The portrayal of each character was astounding, and how everything tied together just made the plot even more interesting. To little things such as Katie Holmes sleeping with her red cowboy boots (she never takes them off) to Michael Douglas always getting high before he continues to work on his 2000+ page novel made every second worth watching, laughing at, or just staring in awe. A must-see for those who will appreciate a masterpiece when it comes along.
Rating:
Summary: The funniest movie of 2000
Review: "Somebody jumped on your car hood with his butt," says James Leer.
"How do you figure?" responds Prof. Tripp.
"I can see the outlining of his butt." This is one scene that makes "Wonder Boys" least expected to be a comedy. It has many other humorous lines in scenes the audience least expects. The movie writer brilliantly fit these sequences to the dramatic side of it. The combination keeps the certain issues serious. Few other movies have a such unique theme. Michael Douglas wonderfully performs the part of Prof. Tripp, a selfish writer who hasn't released his follow-up in seven years. His mistress, plays by Frances McDormand, reveals she's pregnant. He travels to his soon-to-be ex-wife with his troubled student James Leer, the underrated role played by Tobey McGuire. Leer is seduced by book editor Terry Crabtree, humorously played by Robert Downey Jr. This combination of actors give "Wonder Boys" the added necessary humorous and dramatic touches. Their chemistry amongst one another is present in ever scene. Every actor was dissed in the 2000 Oscar ceremonies. Bob Dylan's Oscar winning theme song "Things Have Changed" is perfect for the beginning and end credits. His musical poetry fits the theme of the movie perfectly. It gives an added influence, especially to aspiring writers. The folk song expresses the realisms in the characters making them look as average people rather than supermodel look-alikes with a rough life. More movies need this. No one will forget "Wonder Boys" after having been watched. One will laugh continuously during and long after the movie. Everyone will have that favorite scene that will be mimicked repeatingly.
Rating: 
Summary: Humorous intelligent acting but morally confused plot
Review: Yes, this is a funny, ultimately warm-hearted film. Michael Douglas is a loveablely grumpy professor-writer. He fumbles through the story in a likeable, yet truly lackluster fashion. He loses his very young and beautiful wife because "he's not there." He keeps putting off the romantic advances of a very young student/boarder of his, not so much because it would be wrong, but because he apparantly does not have the time or energy to deal with it. The professor's co-star is a young, very gifted, most insightful, yet possibley suicidal student, whose difficult to figure out because he's a habitual liar. The professor's boss is having an affair with him, is pregnant by him, is frustrated by his indecisiveness, and yet seems willing to follow his lead--if he'll give it. Wonderboys speaks well to our need to wake up and live life. But, it seems to suggest that just making choices is enough--being decisive, regardless of what decision is made, is the key. Live good, live bad--but live intensively! Thus, the film does marvelously what I really hate about "typical Hollywood movies": it normalizes, sympathizes, and heralds immorality, by wrapping it up in adorable characters. The boss's husband supposedly is clueless about the affair, and therefore deserves it? Does a young female student, obviously in love with her professor, really belong boarding in his house? Is it right for a homosexual editor to make shameless advances on a boy who is probably psychologically troubled, and who shows no obvious signs of like attraction? Finally, does adultery really need to be glorified, as it ultimately is in this movie? Bottom-line: If Wonder Boys were judged only on humor and acting it might garner 4 points. However, the patronizing and even approving approach this film takes towards clear moral weakness drags it down to two. The film might lead to some interesting discussion for adults, but is clearly not appropriate for children.
Rating:
Summary: No Small Wonder
Review: Have you ever needed to finish writing something that's on a deadline? But for one reason or another, either a bad case of writer's block or distractions galore keep you from finishing your task. If this has ever happened to you, than Wonder Boys, is a film you will identify with. Over the course of a single weekend, Pittsburg college professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) realizes, as he desperately tries to complete his second book against a looming deadline, that his life is falling apart. Not only is he getting pressure from his publisher, Terry Crabtree (Robert Downey Jr.), to, after 7 years finish the book. His wife announces she wants a divorce, as his lover Sara (Frances McDormand) tells him that she is pregnant with their child. Meanwhile, 2 students try to aide and annoy him, on this unique journey Promising but a bit wayward, James Leer (Tobey Maguire) figures that no one can inspire him like Grady can; And young Hannah Green (Katie Holmes) shows him there's a different side to life. Directed by Curtis Hanson, the film, is based on author Michael Chabon's book. Since I have never read the book, I had nothing to compare it with-I was able to have a film only perspective. I have to say that I was quite surpised at Michael Douglas's performance. He pulled of the characterization effectively He was able to find out what made this guy tick as someone who has lost control of life with humor and vulnerability that works Hanson is very good at knowing how to tap into all of an actor's talent--the cast works very well and has good solid chemistry together. Wonder Boys is a slice of life that stays true... As for the extras on the DVD, they are pretty decent, overall. The cast and crew interviews featuring Michael Douglas, Frances McDormand, Tobey Maguire, and Curtis Hanson, give a nice perspective on how the film came together. Like the DVD for Hanson's LA Confidential, instead of a full blown audio commentary, the director offers key facts about different locales used in the film--the interactve map is nice but I'd rather have an audio track. Singer Bob Dylan's music video for the song "Things Have Changed" and my favorite extra the singer/ songwriters of Wonder Boys with direct access commentaries by Curtis Hanson takes you through the movie's soundtrack with an in depth look that's interesting. Rounding it all out is the usual theatrical trailer. Wonder Boys is a solid film with lots going for it Recommended
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