Smartorhypo Highly Overrated But Still Good

Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Brennan Camacho Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

john32935 I was predisposed to like this movie through the sheer casting of the ever-lovely Lauren Graham as the female lead. Unfortunately, that is not enough to carry this movie.Both Ms. Graham and Jeff Daniels do a fine job of portraying their characters, but the story has too many holes to make this movie enjoyable. Mr. Daniels plays a reclusive author who has hidden himself from the world for 20 years since he wrote the mega-popular "God and Me," the transcript of his conversation with God. When Mr. Daniels is forced into the real world, he meets Ms. Graham and there is instant attraction (believable as to his reaction…see above disclaimer, but seems inconsistent with his prior choice of a being a recluse.) Through the story, the two leads draw each other out of their respective shells, fall apart, and then, surprise, wind up with a happy ending. I did not believe the initial attraction; I really did not believe the reason for their breakup; and then the supposed twist at the end seemed to undermine the whole premise of any attraction in the first place.Not that the movie is all bad. As I mentioned there are good performances, some interesting dialog, and the framework of a good premise. It is just that all these elements do not come together enough to make this a movie worth seeing.

namashi_1 Jeff Daniels is a legendary actor, at least in my opinion. Take a look at his body of work & you'll understand what I'm saying. Daniels is a versatile actor, who very surprisingly has never been Nominated for an Academy-Award. In 'The Answer Man', Daniels delivers A Fantastic Performance, proving once again how good he is! 'The Answer Man' Synopsis: A reclusive author of spiritual books, is pursued for advice by a single mother and a man fresh out of rehab.'The Answer Man' is an ordinary fare, that has some moments. The Screenplay does deliver some great moments, but, at times, it loses pace & drags itself. John Hindman's Direction is definitely well-done.Apart from Daniels's Fantastic, Impeccable Performance, 'The Answer Man' turns out to be a one-time watch.

TxMike Jeff Daniels is Arlen Faber, Philadelphia author, and 20 years earlier wrote a run-away best seller, "Me and God." In it he presents a whole series of questions and, he says, God spoke to him with the answers.But when we first see Arlen, and the door bell rings, he utters a series of blue language expletives and we immediately wonder "Who is this guy who talks to God?" He is intolerant of most people and most situations, and is a recluse who doesn't want anyone to know who he is or where Arlen Faber lives.One day, bending over awkwardly, his back catches and all he can do is lay on the floor, in pain. He calls his agent, but she is fed up with Arlen's refusal to surface for his 20th anniversary, so she hangs up on him. Desperate, he crawls down the street and to the nearest chiropractor who happens to be lovely Lauren Graham as Elizabeth. (I have been a fan of hers ever since I first saw her on 'Gilmore Girls' and a weekend with her on a small tropical island would be nice.) As soon as Arlen sets eyes on her, he is smitten. But he has so much baggage that he is a difficult person to form a relationship with.The other key person is Lou Taylor Pucci as Kris Lucas, almost broke proprietor of the local book store. He and Arlen eventually form an unlikely friendship that helps both of them find new directions in life.I really enjoyed seeing this movie. The acting and dialog are interesting and, while not all is resolved by the end of the movie, everyone seems to be on a better path. I want to see it again, and that is always a good sign.

John_T_Chance If the purpose of the film was to make the viewer relate to the film exactly the way a reader would react to meeting fictional writer Arlen Faber then mission accomplished. I was deeply disappointed in this movie. As it unfolds, you expect the film to deliver something profound and moving. It never does nor even comes close. It's clichéd filled and aimless. It makes no real statement about faith and offers nothing of substance. The movie revolves are three characters and you never really emotionally connect with two of the three. The exception being the alcoholic bookstore owner, that character was well written. Unfortunately, the main leads are disappointingly weak. Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham deliver wonderful performances as expected but there really wasn't anything extraordinary for them to work with in terms of the script.A big disappointment.