Stranger Than Fiction (2/27/2007)

Rated PG-13 for some disturbing images, sexuality, brief language and (male)nudity.

Directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland & Monster’s Ball)

Starring Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal & Dustin Hoffman

Way above our expectations!

You probably saw the previews. Will Ferrell plays Harold Crick, a stereotypical IRS agent who begins hearing a woman’s voice narrate his life. From everything to the mundane task of brushing his teeth to the inner most thoughts about the attractive woman he is auditing, the woman’s voice becomes such a distraction that he can not function. Seeking help from friends (Tony Hale) and professionals (Dustin Hoffman), he finally discovers that he is the subject of a new book by popular author Kay Eiffel (Emma Thompson) who is famous for killing off her main characters.

As we watch Harold discover the unsettling truth about the end of his life we discover life lessons like what it means to live the life we have been given, sacrifice and love.

Todd’s Word: Let me start by saying this is one of those movies that was completely different from what the trailer portrayed. The images I remember were Will Ferrell (the funniest man alive!!) doing what he does best. Clip after clip, I watched the trailer and laughed, waiting to see the movie. But Stranger than Fiction is less about comedy and a lot more about drama. That being said, the movie was a one of the best surprises I have found in a long time.

Jonathan’s Word: I agree that it was a pleasant surprise, although I arrived their by a different route. When I saw the preview, I barely giggled. My thought was, “That looks like a dud!” So when I sat down to watch it, my expectations were pretty low. I was wrong. It really was a good film.

My wife was the same. She didn’t even want to watch it with me at first. But within a few minutes, she was intrigued as well.

Todd’s Word: If you don’t like Will Ferrell… seek help! (I’m kidding!) In all seriousness, if you don’t like Will Ferrell, this may be the movie that changes your mind. There are moments that are just typical hilarious Will Ferrell, but you also get to see another side of him. I was impressed with his “emotional range” and it shocked me to see him cry.

Jonathan’s Word: He really did prove himself as a serious actor. I’m not ready to give him a little golden statue, but he definitely held his own, which isn’t too bad when trying to keep stride with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson.

Todd’s Word: The writing was phenomenal.

Jonathan’s Word: True… true. I love it when a film does something new. Stranger than Fiction had some very original moments. Not the same old thing.

Todd’s Word: All I was expecting was a movie that would make me laugh; what I got was a beautiful original story that made me think.

I definitely recommend you check out Stranger than Fiction and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Jonathan’s Word: I recommend it too, save one scene. I’m not going to start picketing or anything like that, but I’m getting pretty tired of the subtle “hooking up” messages in films these days. I’ve seen so many lately… usually in these PG-13 films.

In this film, there is a scene where Harold walks Ana home. They have only known each other for a short time and Harold told her that he “wants her.” Ana says, “I think I like you. And before I do anything rash, I’d like to make sure.

Nothing wrong with that. But then she goes on…

“I’d like you to come up.”

Whoa cowboy!

Yeah… you got it right. She takes him up to her place (where sex is implied- they start making out and then wake up in the same bed together) to “make sure” she likes him. Not too bad of an interview procedure, huh? (sarcasm implied)

I’m just tired of the “sex is a casual thing” message that is creeping its way into more and more films day to day.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
It has a PG-13 rating for a reason: so younger kids should not see it. There’s some cussing, as well as the implied sex. There’s also a bizarre scene where Harold and Professor Hilbert walk through a men’s locker room and you get a good glimpse of some old fat naked men’s butts (enough to make you throw out your popcorn).

If older kids see it, I would suggest you be prepared and take some time after the movie to discuss the movie themes like the one Jonathan mentioned above. That scene could actually be a good discussion starter to dialogue about what sex is: is it a casual thing, a thing just for people in love, or something just for marriage?

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

1. What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
2. How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
3. How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?