Wonder Boys (2000) Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, Frances McDormand, Robert Downey Jr., Katie Holmes, Richard Thomas, Rip Torn, Philip Bosco, Jane Adams, Richard Knox, Michael Cavaias. Screenplay by Steve Kloves, based on the novel by Michael Chabon. Directed by Curtis Hanson. 112 minutes. Rated R, 4 stars (out of five stars)
Review by Ed Johnson-Ott, NUVO Newsweekly www.nuvo.com Archive reviews at http://us.imdb.com/ReviewsBy?Edward+Johnson-Ott To receive reviews by e-mail at no charge, send subscription requests to ejohnsonott@prodigy.net or e-mail ejohnsonott-subscribe@onelist.com with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
"Wonder Boys" represents a dandy twist on a relatively new genre, the coming-of-middle-age story. Generally, films of this type (the outstanding "American Beauty" is a fine example) focus on men beaten into numbness or despair by the crushing weight of time, responsibility and social conventions. When some unusual event jerks them into awareness, they respond by rebelling against the norm, desperately trying to recapture the vitality of youth. After colorfully acting out, usually by aping behaviors straight out of "Animal House," they eventually learn valuable life lessons that help them put their world in a better perspective.
Things are different for English professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas). In his cozy academic cocoon, he never had to grow up in the first place. A celebrated author, Grady smokes dope almost constantly, regularly bangs his boss' wife and enjoys reverential treatment from his students and the college staff. Still, he is an unhappy man. As the story begins, his wife has left him and his girlfriend, Chancellor Sara Gaskell (Frances McDormand), has just announced she is pregnant with his child.
Once the wonder boy of the literati, Grady has become crippled by the success of his novel. The follow-up is long overdue and many secretly believe he is suffering from writer's block. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Privately, he cranks out a dizzying number of pages for his latest, a massive tome that makes "War and Peace" look like a pamphlet by comparison. Terrified that the book won't live up to its predecessor, Grady continues writing as a way of avoiding completion, and examination, of his work. Unfortunately, his editor is about to arrive for Wordfest, the university's annual literary festival, and Grady knows the heat is on.
But wait, that's just the beginning. Within a few hours, Grady will find himself dealing with a gifted (and very freaky) student who may be a pathological liar, the police, a furious gent with James Brown hair, a stolen jacket once worn by Marilyn Monroe, and a dead dog. And you thought your weekends were hectic.
Adapted by Steve Kloves from Michael Chabon's 1995 novel, "Wonder Boys" is the first movie for director Curtis Hanson since his magnificent "L.A. Confidential," and it shows the filmmaker in excellent form. Gliding from humor to poignancy with the greatest of ease, Hanson has crafted a smart, sophisticated feature that will delight mature audiences. While the wacky elements are occasionally laid on a bit thick, this is a movie to treasure. Adding to the enjoyment is the timing of its release – how often do we get quality adult fare in the middle of winter?
The casting for "Wonder Boys" is impeccable. After playing so many oily rich creeps that the very mention of his name makes me shudder, Michael Douglas gives possibly the best performance of his career as the rumpled, aging man-child. Whether the scene calls for laughs or heartache, Douglas' line delivery and affect is dead on, without a moment that seems forced. Grady is a mess, but a lovable one, and Douglas deserves great praise for his work.
As James Lee, Grady's most talented, and disturbed, student, Tobey Maguire is perfect for the role. I've grown tired of Maguire taking jobs where he is required to do little more than flash his odd kewpy-doll smile and act inscrutable, but in this context, that's exactly what is called for and Maguire plays off Douglas superbly. Still, I hope that Maguire starts selecting parts that demand a wider range of expression. Also, it would be nice if he spent some time outdoors, because there are coma patients whose skin has more color than this kid.
The supporting actors are just as good. Robert Downey Jr. is delightful as Grady's editor Terry Grabtree, mixing flamboyance and functionality with grand style. Downey's ongoing drug problems have made him a national punchline, and this film is yet another reminder that he is one of the finest actors working today. Hopefully, Downey will conquer his personal demons and get back on track soon.
As Chancellor Sara Gaskell, Frances McDormand is compelling, although she doesn't get a lot of screen time. The same holds true for "Dawson's Creek's" Katie Holmes, who still manages to make a big impression while serving as a strong stabilizing presence in the midst of all the madness. Richard Thomas and the dynamic Rip Torn also appear, but, sadly, both are given scant time in the film.
In addition to its stellar cast and rich storyline, "Wonder Boys" also boasts a hell of a soundtrack, including a memorable new Bob Dylan song.
Because this is a tale of humor mixed with substance rather than the typical flashy Hollywood fare, it would be easy for "Wonder Boys" to be overlooked by filmgoers. Don't make that mistake. Regardless of your age, this coming-of-middle-age story has something for everyone. If you want winter to consist of more substantial fare than formulaic crap like "Reindeer Games," here's a chance to put your money where your mouth is.
© 2000 Ed Johnson-Ott
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