Zero Effect

Pros: Well developed script, Off beat characters, Good performances from lead actors
Cons: A few of the plot twists are a little unrealistic

Movies featuring private investigators are a dime a dozen. While few movies can touch the sophistication and complicated, yet totally plausible plot development of Chinatown, Jake Kasdan's Zero Effect, is an artful imitation.
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Pros: Bill Pullman and Ben Stiller. Some clever writing.
Cons: Weak in directorial execution. Somewhat predictable.

The counseling staff here at the Benny Ford center are quite pleased with my progress. They tell me that I am close to being cured of my unfortunate addiction to that cursed substance, Special K. I have a few more sessions with my private counselor in...

Pros: Very Well - Rounded, Simple, Depth of Characters, Quirky
Cons: More People Haven't Seen / Heard of It

Now, I know that every year, America gets its blockbusters. I'm talking about such crowd - pleasers as "The Mighty Ducks", "Scream III", and of course, "Waterworld". However, every now and then, a movie comes along that just doesn't get the attention it...

Pros: Good writing, offbeat story
Cons: Elaborate plotting sacrifices character to some extent

Here's an offbeat film for you. A story about a genius private eye, who may be "the greatest observer the world has ever known" -- a sort of modern-day Sherlock Holmes. But here's the twist. He's also, as his Watson-like employee Steve Arlo...

Pros: Acting, Plot, Pullman / Stiller, Script
Cons: none

"Zero Effect" is one of the best comedies of the 90s, and yet a lot of people don't even classify it as a comedy. In fact, in the video store at which I work, it is at the very end of the Mystery/Suspense section. This is probably because not...

Pros: The great cast and the twisting, turning plot
Cons: none

Zero Effect is technically a comedy. But it's not a comedy, but it is, but it's really not. But... Okay, this movie has a lot of buts (no laughing) to it. It's actually a mystery/drama/romance with a little bit of comedy thrown in. And all of this...

Pros: This movie gets better with every viewing
Cons: None

He's impressive, to say the least. He can tell your occupation by your smell, essentially. His knack for logic and sense of observation can only be described as perfect, but outside of his PI job Darryl Zero is a zero, no social skills whatsoever....

Pros: Highly Original, Pullman Brings this one off.
Cons: Absolutely None!

I am a Bill Pullman fan in a big way. He has a screen presence unlike any other. In my opinion, he reminds me of William Shattner in a way, as they both have mastered what I call the "Pause". They time their pauses just right, to get...

Pros: Great soundtrack, Bill Pullman
Cons: Possibly too quirky for some

Simply put, it's the most overlooked film of 1998. It opened in January to about $2 million in box office receipts, and died a quick death. People missed a script that was fresh, funny, smart, and original. Daryl Zero (Bill Pullman) and his partner...

Pros: Smartly written, well-acted. Good first feature.
Cons: Uneven quality of story, large plot holes

"Zero Effect" is a smart, unconventional mystery flick that was underrated, I think, because it gives off the impression that it's a wacky farce when it's really not. What it is is a smartly crafted satire, a genuinely clever puzzle, and a very...

Pros: Wryly intelligent script and experienced actors
Cons: Jake Kasdan tried to do too much: writing, directing, producing

Sometimes nepotism can backfire and that's the cast with this overly ambitious first-feature from Jake Kasdan, son of director Lawrence Kasdan. If Jake Kasdan had been just another 22 year-old, his debut film would have been a low-budget showcase....

Pros: An intriguing study of a fascinating and original character.
Cons: A weak mystery plot.

Writer-director Jake Kasdan's Zero Effect gets its title from its main character, Daryl Zero (Bill Pullman). Zero is perhaps the world's greatest private detective, solving many a case without even setting foot outside of his well-secured...

Pros: Unique, funny and entertaining-WATCH IT!
Cons: If any, that it's too "indie," though it wasn't a problem for me

This is one of my favorite movies. It's difficult to explain why-the directing is unremarkable, the actors no worse than others-but there is something so doggone earnest about it that it won me over. This is a movie that wants you to like it. Needs you...

Pros: The actors.
Cons: The characters.

Bill Pullman is one of my favorite contemporary actors. He has a charm and debonair quality that toggles between the "awe shucks" boy-next-door, to the stoic heroic figure. His style and attitude brings to mind a young Jimmy Stewart or Henry...

Pros: A detective story like no other. Its engaging, slick and funny. Best detective story ever.
Cons: The plot is intricate and requires thought to follow. You have to pay attention!

This story is like no other I have ever encountered before. The writing and direction are inspired. The characterization is rich & textured, and boldly presented. It combines comedy with drama, suspense with romance. The acting is wonderful. Bill...