Excuse me, waiter. There's some Will Ferrell in my romantic comedy.
Yes, I suppose it tastes OK.
Well, yes, it is a clever and charming dish with a side of fantastic actors.
No, I'll keep it — it's just I wasn't expecting it. It's just hard to get past the fact that "Stranger Than Fiction," is a charming romantic comedy and not a hilarious Will Ferrell frat pack vehicle. Ferrell is basically a big goof, and putting him in a semi-serious emotional feast is a risk for any chef. This dish is pretty tasty, but the key ingredient — Ferrell — just throws off the recipe; sometimes it's overpowering, and other times just doesn't blend with the rest of the meal, and sometimes its just right.
Ferrell portrays Harold Crick, a boring IRS agent. Kay Eiffel (Emma Thompson) is writing a book about him and his imminent death. Crick soon begins to hear Eiffel literally narrating his life.
Beyond the narrative in Crick's head, this is the story of straight-laced-guy-loosens-up-through-wild-girl, here played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. I liked this ingredient; particularly when Ferrell brings Gyllenhaal's character, who is a baker, a selection of flour and says, "I brought you flowers." It's one of the most simple yet romantic moments in recent rom-com history.
But wait, what's this other flavor? That narrative in Crick's head does add a very different taste to the cliché romance, practically usurping the love interest so there really isn't any bitter aftertaste. Ferrell's struggle with his imminent death, as narrated to him by the author, is both heart-wrenching and touching, adding a poignant flavor rather than blandness.
The supporting side dishes help the main course immensely. Thompson and Queen Latifah, who plays her writing aide, play off each other perfectly and Dustin Hoffman is charming as the college literary professor Crick hopes can identify what kind of story he is in — and how he will die.
So, waiter, this meal wasn't what I was expecting. Maybe next time I'll take a plate of Ferrell frivolity; but, then again, I might try another slice of his serious side. It could turn out to be one of the tastiest dishes in Hollywood.
<1b>— Matthew Razak