Protraph Lack of good storyline.

Gutsycurene Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Ben Parker Richard Curtis has written some impressive romantic comedies (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones, Love Actually) and had his hand in the writing of some of the top British TV comedy of our time (Mr Bean, Not the 9 O'Clock news, Blackadder). This was one of his first scripts to be turned into a feature film.He wrote this script about his own experience playing straight man to Rowan Atkinson on his early tours. Curtis was frustrated in real life with being under the shadow of Atkinson, but the script obviously makes a caricature out of this by turning Atkinson into a terrible, nasty villain. But, Rowan fans beware, this is not as fun as it sounds. The unkindest touch of all was added by Rowan himself. He makes himself appear completely unfunny. He plays his backstage self without a touch of humour or subversion - one would almost swear that Rowan just really was a nasty bast*rd.But anyone who's seen Rowan's stage shows, or Not the 9 O'Clock News, knows that Rowan can play a bastard with ironic humour, where we know he's only kidding - on stage, Rowan specialised in bastards like the vicars and schoolmasters he's played, and nobodies like Mr Bean. Here, Rowan knew it was important for the story for Rowan to not actually be funny, and the straight man to actually be funny. Plus, we need to root for the straight man (played by Jeff Golblum). Rowan's being a villain is the story's main source of conflict and dramatic tension. Without it, there isn't a story. So Rowan has, ironically, done a brave and humble thing by agreeing to play it completely straight, humourless and cold - and he shows himself a really good dramatic actor (though the experience may be disheartening for Rowan fans).So if you're a Rowan fan, this will not be for you. If you're a Richard Curtis fan, this is a fairly simple and conventional script, but its quite a fun romantic comedy nonetheless. Emma Thomson is suitably cold and severe, and Jeff Golblum makes a good everyman. 6/10.

tomodell I really enjoyed this film. I don't understand why some other people don't. I especially enjoyed seeing Rowen Atkinson playing a hateful S.O.B. so completely different than any other role he has performed. Jeff Goldblum and Emma Thompson are great, and there is a love-making scene that is quite funny and sexy (Emma Thompson in the buff!). This film is essentially about the difficult life that struggling actors have to endure, and appeals more to people who are familiar with the stage and the lives of people involved with it. The play that Jeff Goldblum eventually lands a part in, is a hilarious parody of every musical ever produced. I recommend this film to anybody involved in the theater or who enjoys going to a play on occasion.

Tao_Neal_Lawson Personally, I thought it was top notch stuff! This is Richard Curtis' first film ever written, and it was one of the funniest ones he has written (apart from "Four Weddings"). I really liked it because of it's protagonist (Dexter) and the other characters that played an influence on his life (Kate Tampon, Cyprus Charlie, Carmen, Gavin, etc.). 'Twas a really delightful film and Smith's directing was absolutely brilliant! Good job to everyone that made this film! It was a comic delight and 'twas very charismatic!

Big Huge Doug (POSSIBLE PLOT SPOILER)...as a study of screenwriting, this movie is interesting as a clear prototype for the writer's later successful Four Weddings and a Funeral. Same schlubby hero, same no-nonsense heroine who knows absolutely that This Is The One. Same hero angst messing up the relationship. Same "backdrop of other stuff going on."This movie is obviously a rough cut. The interactions are unbelievable, the backdrop (London Stage shows) are stupid and boring, and the chemistry between stars is Totally Lacking...but it's kind of interesting to study this side by side with Four Weddings and see how the writer matured.