Dedication (2007)

 An Uncaring Protagonist, a Choppy Script and Indie Film Flourishes Can't Mask a Weak Love Story
Like the central protagonist, this 2007 movie is a misbegotten mess. Making his directorial debut, actor Justin Theroux gets carried away with every film school trick in the book with self-conscious camerawork, annoying jump cuts and a music soundtrack that apparently has to comment on every scene. With a strangely cryptic first-time screenplay by David Bromberg, the movie boasts an impressive cast that includes Tom Wilkinson and Dianne Wiest, but it asks us to empathize with an obsessive-compulsive misanthrope whose actions alienate everyone around him. The ploy is too challenging since the character is more cruel than unfiltered, and his relentless bitterness rarely crackles with the wit necessary to get away with such boorish behavior. Moreover, subsequent attempts to humanize him feel increasingly contrived as the story progresses.

The story revolves around Henry Roth, a prickly, phobic children's book author (an intentionally ironic profession for such an uncaring jerk) who bonds only with his longtime collaborator, a curmudgeonly illustrator named Rudy. They finally achieve success with a book about Marty the Beaver's campaign to save Christmas, but then Rudy dies. Henry's poker-faced editor, Arthur Planck, wants a sequel and consequently hires a young artist named Lucy to take Rudy's place. Lucy has her share of problems - a mother who is also her landlord and willing to evict her, and an errant lover named Jeremy who wants her back after dumping her. The movie's title is derived from the dedication to Lucy in Jeremy's about-to-be-published book. Motivated by a large bonus offered by Planck, Lucy is willing to subject herself to Henry's nasty comments, but of course, a romance develops. This is where the film falters badly as the love story is sketchily developed with little discernible chemistry between the two stars.

The cast provides whatever redeeming value the film has. The usually audacious Billy Crudup does what he can as Henry, but it's an uphill battle. Better here than in last year's execrable Because I Said So, Mandy Moore brings a certain poignancy to her scenes, but her downbeat character is so depressing that the only logical response to their romance is indifference. Wilkinson easily steals his scenes as Rudy both pre- and post-mortem, while Bob Balaban plays Planck in his typically low-key fashion. Wiest plays Lucy's mother in just a couple of tersely acted scenes, while Amy Sedaris, Peter Bogdanovich, Christine Taylor and Bobby Cannavale show up in cameos. The 2008 DVD is bereft of any extras, not even the theatrical trailer, which gives you an indication of what the studio thought of its prospects. March 1, 2008

 You'll wonder why you're not OCD
Billy Crudup plays Henry Roth, a children's writer who isn't sure what his next steps in life are. He is OCD and extremely cautious. He fears cars and isn't crazy about sex. He likes Japanese Monster films and harbors ill feelings for certain people in his life, especially women. Basically the only the he trusts is his illustrator (played by Tom Wilkinson) who dies right before their next book is supposed to be published.

This is where Lucy Reilly (played by Mandy Moore) comes in as a young illustrator on an emotional run from her ex-boyfriend/college adviser. She becomes Henry's illustrator and some where along the way we get hints as to why Henry is "screwed up" and the two fall in love. This is not a romantic comedy (even though it's listen in that drama). It is a story about two very real people and the importance of trust ... and how it must develop somehow before love does.

This story gets a four because it wasn't PERFECT but worth watching more than once. I was very excited to find that Mandy Moore didn't play her usual innocent and boring "good girl" role. But while she does deliver, don't expect anything fantastic. Of course Billy Crudup conveys his character beautifully. February 21, 2008

 mandy's a 10, the movie's a 2
mandy moore is beautiful, sexy and cute. all at the same time. on a scale of 1 to 10, mandy is a 19. still this movie stinks. why hollywood can't find the right movie for a gorgeous, sexy dish like mandy is perplexing. they use to be able to do it with any beautiful starlet. apparently that art is now lost. mandy can even act a little bit but she can't save this disaster. i guess it was an attempt at a woody allen type neurotic, romantic comedy. it's a mess. recommened for mandy moore fans only. February 21, 2008

 Like jagged glass
a bit dark, a big uncooth and broken, but beautiful, shining nevertheless.
I'm hesitant to compare this film to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind. Still, it's very much that kind of genre. So if that's your thing, this movie will deliver in every possible way and throw you through an entire spectrum of emotion and then some. It's believable, original; and yet still, very magical. Don't be fooled by the bland cover art, it's fantastic. February 16, 2008

 A Beautiful Film
This is not your standard romantic comedy. The DVD box wants you to believe it is, but anyone looking for something like "How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days" is sorely mistaken. "Dedication", is a beautiful and heartfelt film tho, Justin Theroux makes a sensational directing debut. Fine performances from the always great Billy Crudup and the sweetheart only known as Mandy Moore. This is a film about redemption, loss and healing. Two lost souls who manage to find each other. Great music, great visuals and good work from all supporting players (Tom Wilkinson, Dianne Wiest, Christine Taylor, Martin Freeman, Peter Bogdanovich) make this a neat little indie film to see. February 10, 2008

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