Envy (2004)

Hit and miss

The good: The satire of suburban life and all of its banality. It does this a lot in the early going and it is spot-on and funny. Also, Black is good enough. There are enough laughs to keep you going.
The bad: The movie bogs down with the plot and there are things that just don't add up, that seem forced, and that strain credulity.
The ugly: I'm not sure why Christopher Walken is even in the movie. His character serves as a distraction and an unnecessary scenery chewing waste of time. I love Walken, but his character is tacked on and brings little but filler to the movie.
Perhaps, in the end, that's where the movie falters - it isn't fully formed. It is some ideas thrown together and has a patch-work feel to it.
Envy isn't awful, it's just not great. If you can get it cheap, it's worth the five bucks or so you can buy it with. You may watch it more than once and therein you've made it worth your while. I have watched it a few times and find enough to laugh at and enjoy even if the critical part of me can spot the holes and shortcomings.
If you want some cheap innocuous entertainment, you could do a lot worse. November 15, 2008

An okay film

Black comedy in which suburban husband Ben Stiller becomes jealous of his best friend and neighbour Jack Black when a product he invents makes him rich and successful. A fun enough movie but with the exception of a surprising plot twist towards the end not much happens in this film. Still, a good enough vehicle for Black and Stiller but I feel that this comedy might have worked better if it had been a little darker in tone
July 20, 2008

3.5; not bad. Interesting, anyway.

People expecting an uproarious Black/Stiller flick, of typical vein, are going to be disapointed, as it is short on knee-jerk laughs, or even terrific comedy scetch, in general. Instead, what we have here is an interesting piece that tries to rely upon the story and the character acting. Unfortunately, the director is sub-par here.

Luckily, it still has its moments, and should go down as a cult-favorite, at least. But, no, this is certainly not a crowd pleaser. It falls way short of the best of either of these actors. I do recommend this, however, as it has enough laughs, and enough story genius to keep it alive. Also, it has Jack Black doing what he can.

Check it out, get it discount. It's only a penny for crying out loud, get it! July 8, 2008

Decent movie

This movie wasn't that bad. It was a decent movie, with some funny moments. It is well worth $5 at Wal-Mart, If your like me and are a fan of Jack Black and or Ben Stiller, then this is a must own for your collection. September 10, 2007

Envy

Envy (Widescreen Edition) i found the movie mildly amusing was dissapointed that i purchased it March 29, 2007

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