A guy who I worked with at my last job utterly hated this this movie.  His name escapes me right now, but he sort of looked like Erik Estrada, better known by some as Ponch from the 70’s TV show CHiPs.  Anyway, he was nice guy but I couldn’t understand his hatred for the movie.  He gave the same excuses that most fans of Nick Cage or Van Damme movies give when they don’t like a movie that the critics mostly like.  They’ll say it’s slow or it’s boring of if they’re honest they’ll just say that they don’t get it.  Well I happed to like Wonder Boys.  I liked it so much that it made my top 100.  I’m not saying that I am smarter than this ex co-worker or have better taste (which I obviously do), but I guess I just got it.

 

Michael Douglas plays English professor Grady Tripp who seven years before was the talk of the literary world after writing a masterpiece novel.  Since then he has not been able to complete his highly anticipated second novel which is now in the thousands in pages.  His editor Terry Crabtree played by Robert Downey Jr. (who I would call a scene stealer in this, but everyone is so good, it’s impossible for anyone to steal a scene from anyone) comes to town to try and pressure Tripp in to getting the book done.  Crabtree has gotten just as desperate for another hit as Tripp.  The movie takes place over a long weekend and there is a lot packed in.  Tripp’s third wife files for divorce, his girlfriend (played by an understated Frances McDormand) who also happens to be the school chancellor and wife of the head of the English department, lets him know she’s pregnant with his child and a big literary convention is hitting the campus where he will undoubtedly be asked about the progress of his new book.  I haven’t even mentioned what Toby Maguire’s character, James puts him through.  Something involving a dead dog and a stolen Marilyn Monroe outfit.  James is actually at the center of this story along with Grady Tripp.  He is a promising student in one of Tripp’s classes.  He’s a pathological liar and an extreme introvert, but Tripp sees something in him.  Did I mention that James hooks up with Crabtree?  There is a lot going here.

 

The bottom line is that this is a very funny movie.  It’s sort of a goofball comedy for people that don’t mind thinking a little bit when watching a movie.  It can also at times be sad and touching.  It’s not about the plot, this movie is completely character driven and the performances are all top notch.  I don’t think I have ever like Douglas in a movie more than I do here playing against type.    I haven’t even yet mentioned Katie Holmes (she is great in this small part) who plays one of Tripp’s students who is crushing on him and happens to rent a room in his house.  The film bombed somewhat in the theater, but it shouldn’t be forgotten.  Toss it on your Netflix queue, I think you’ll like it.