Today’s blog challenge prompt is to write about “a favourite movie”. I could have easily spent days and days compiling a long, long “short list” but I decided a quick perusal of my DVD collection was a better way to spot a favourite. 

So, as my eyes ran along the spines of all my DVDs, this one stood out – Stranger Than Fiction starring Will Ferrell. 

It’s a 2007 release, and it’s utterly engaging and fantastic. With a unique and quirky storyline, and amazing supporting cast – Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal – this is a film with a genuine “feel good” factor.  I’ll go so far as to quote the inimitable Molly Meldrum and say “do yourselves a favour” and hire or download this funny, sweet, touching, beautifully shot film, pronto. 

Will Ferrell plays Harold Crick, an IRS agent (taxman) with some odd habits, who finds himself in the bizarre situation of being written into a novel. As the novel is written, Harold’s life begins to mirrors the fictional storyline, and he understandably thinks he is going loco. It’s quite a ride.

Emma Thompson is brilliant as the neurotic novelist, with a penchant for creatively snuffing out her main characters. Her attempts to bring Harold Crick to a satisfyingly unexpected end are most unwelcome in the real Harold’s life. 

It’s an odd premise for a film, which is it’s strength. I’m a big fan of comedians playing against type in films, and though there are funny moments, Ferrell is perfectly cast in this comedy/tragedy/romance/mystery. He and Gyllenhaal have a lovely arc and his scenes with Dustin Hoffman show what a gifted actor Hoffman is. 

Does Harold survive novelisation? Well, that would be telling. 

If you like slightly left of centre filmmaking, sensational cinematography – the City of Chicago almost steals the show – and characters named after mathematicians, this is the flick for you! If you like romance, acoustic guitar performances and mid century furniture, this is the flick for you too. And if you like baking, tattoos, dry humour and shower scenes, yep, you guessed it – it’s for you too. 

Stranger Than Fiction. Get on to it people!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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