Zero Effect (1998)

Zero Effect follows private investigator Daryl Zero and Steve Arlo, his reluctant representative, through one particularly tangled case involving blackmail, murder, revenge, and a set of lost keys. Zero is the world's best private investigator, suave and totally in control while on a case, but socially inept when off the job. The diversely talented and prolific Bill Pullman is excellently cast as Zero, switching seamlessly from one persona to the next, and the ever-charming Ben Stiller is his perfect sidekick. In a deadpan description of his method, or the "Zero Effect," Zero details his brilliance for Sherlock Holmes-like deductions, based on his strict adherence to objectivity and observation, or, in Zero parlance, "the obs." Somewhat predictably the obs falter when the case of the missing keys brings Zero to Gloria Sullivan, a winsome and mysterious paramedic played by Kim Dickens. Thankfully, writer-director Jake Kasdan is no less brilliant than the Zero he creates, and the potential corniness of the developing romance is balanced by a razor-sharp wit and the nail-biting suspense of the unfolding plot. --Laska Jimsen Amazon.com

A modern day Sherlock Holmes

If Sherlock Holmes were alive today he would be a major pain in the neck. That seems to be the central message of Jake Kasdan's first film, which is among my favourite movies of all time.

Bill Pullman plays Daryl Zero, the greatest private detective who ever lived, who also happens to be completely hopeless when it comes to relating to other human beings, in particular to his long-suffering assistant, Steve Arlo (Ben Stiller). However, when he is hired to find a blackmailer, he comes into contact with and ultimately falls in love with Gloria Sullivan (Kim Dickens), a modern day version of Irene Adler.

This is a very well made and enjoyable film, and it interesting (and very funny) to see Kasdan's idea of what Sherlock Holmes would be like if he were alive today. With the exception of Kim Dickens, who didn't strike me as being a strong enough actress to play "the woman", all of the actors in this film are excellent. I was particularly impressed by Stiller in one of his rare "straight" roles and the way in which Pullman and Stiller work together and don't overshadow each other. I look forward to seeing more films written and/or directed by Kasdan in the future.
June 20, 2008

Unnoticed film

It is exciting at times and original. Although somewhat unbelievable for someone that know the limits of memory and technology it still is convincing to those who can suspend belief a little.

I loved it and was waiting for every twist and turn! December 17, 2007

Circle gets the square!

Zero Effect (Jake Kasdan, 1998)

I saw this movie a few days ago, and have been mulling it over in my head ever since. I'm still trying to figure out if I liked it or not. I think so, but can't be sure.

Darryl Zero (While You Were Sleeping's Bill Pullman) is a private detective. Except he's a very odd private detective. He never meets with clients, always talking to them through his intermediary Steve Arlo (Keeping the Faith's Ben Stiller). He is quite capable of doing his job, and doing it well, but when he's off the clock, he turns into a neurotic wreck (did you ever see Creepshow? Think E. G. Marshall, but the sloppy version). Zero accepts a case from Gregory Stark (Ryan O'Neal), a wealthy chap who's being blackmailed. He won't say what he's being blackmailed about, of course. The farther into the case Zero gets, the odder things become, and on top of it all he finds himself extremely attracted to Gloria Sullivan (Thank You for Smoking's Kim Dickens), a paramedic he meets in the course of investigation.

Kasdan's feature film debut is a fun little flick, at least. Pullman is surprisingly good in the role, a definite change from the calm, tightly-wound types he normally plays. This is also one of those rare films where Ben Stiller shows that he can, in fact, act. Dickens also turns in an above-average performance, but everyone else involved seems rather dull; even O'Neal seems to be doing a (rather passable) attempt at a William Shatner impersonation. Amusing for what it is, but is loses its lustre when carried on for an entire film. Angela Featherstone, playing Arlo's girlfriend, seems thrown into the film solely for eye candy (the subplot that develops because her character exists could have been done in a number of ways), and the majority of the minor characters seem to be there for window dressing more than anything else. Also, the pace could have used a bit of tightening.

Still, not a bad movie by any means; it's just a first film, with many of the hallmarks of a first film. ** ½ March 2, 2006

Excellent detective.

Modern version of Sherlock Holmes...with Ben Stiller as Watson. Pullman is electric as the troubled PI. There are some holes in the plot but the overall effect of classic mystery elements & colorful detective in a 1990s setting is well worth checking out. Excellent music; although nothing is made of surround sound and the transfer to dvd is just ok. Technical aspects aside, this is above average fare. Great atmospheric shots of Portland, OR.
December 5, 2004

Maybe the best movie of 1998...

This is an extremely entertaining little film - with Bill Pullman providing most of the laughs - alongside the usually comic Ben Stiller - who is somewhat serious in this role. The film is about an extremely talented private dick who is inexperienced in his own personal life - which takes an almost classic twist (reminiscent of some old hollywood films) when he falls for the charms of someone - who turns out to be equally adept at hiding things. This is a very unique, intelligent movie that will leave you satisfied and a little bit excited about what you have seen. I think this gives us a glimpse of what hollywood these days is capable of, but rarely delivers - a charming character study! October 23, 2004

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