What Just Happened (C- or 1.5/4 stars)
Underwhelmed is what I feel about 'What Just Happened?', directed by Barry Levinson. This film covers 2 weeks in the life of a fading Hollywood producer who's having a very, very hard time getting his new movie made. That's the movie in a nut shell. And unless you're a Hollywood insider who'll understand or find humor in a lot of the subtle behind-the-scenes Hollywood corruption ... this will be a bit of a bore to many; including me.
Ben (Robert DeNiro) is/was one of Hollywood's top producers. But things have made an ugly turn for him, as of late. His most recent picture, 'Fiercely', has been torn apart at a test screening. Why, you ask? Because the climax includes both the film's protagonist (Sean Penn) and his DOG being killed. Rogue British director, Jeremy Brunell (Michael Wincott) isn't willing to change the ending. Studio head, Lou Tarnow (Catherine Keener) tells both him & Ben that the ending needs to be changed or else they'll have a flop on their hands. Another of Ben's film projects is on shaky grounds because his film's star (Bruce Willis) isn't willing to lose some weight or shave his long beard. And the final aspect of his life that's falling apart is his marriage. He can't seem to let go of his ex, Kelly (Robin Wright Penn). They attend therapy sessions, but nothing is working. The film has a conclusion. But nothing about it is overly interesting.
Most of the movie shows the various characters shoving their egos in other people's faces, backstabbing one, placating another ... lots of ugliness. And aside from its ugliness, the movie is also fairly dull. Who really cares about these people? Who cares if the actors are lampooning themselves? Who honestly cares about Hollywood's underbelly? I LOVE movies, & I don't even care. The actors are all 'fine'. It's nice to see DeNiro in an anti-tough guy role. Bruce Willis has some fun as the indignant actor who won't shed some pounds or shave. Stanley Tucci & John Turturro do the best they can with minor parts. You know, the movie is not 'awful', per say. It's just not insightful enough or humorous enough to appeal to audience members who are not Hollywood insiders.
Ben (Robert DeNiro) is/was one of Hollywood's top producers. But things have made an ugly turn for him, as of late. His most recent picture, 'Fiercely', has been torn apart at a test screening. Why, you ask? Because the climax includes both the film's protagonist (Sean Penn) and his DOG being killed. Rogue British director, Jeremy Brunell (Michael Wincott) isn't willing to change the ending. Studio head, Lou Tarnow (Catherine Keener) tells both him & Ben that the ending needs to be changed or else they'll have a flop on their hands. Another of Ben's film projects is on shaky grounds because his film's star (Bruce Willis) isn't willing to lose some weight or shave his long beard. And the final aspect of his life that's falling apart is his marriage. He can't seem to let go of his ex, Kelly (Robin Wright Penn). They attend therapy sessions, but nothing is working. The film has a conclusion. But nothing about it is overly interesting.
Most of the movie shows the various characters shoving their egos in other people's faces, backstabbing one, placating another ... lots of ugliness. And aside from its ugliness, the movie is also fairly dull. Who really cares about these people? Who cares if the actors are lampooning themselves? Who honestly cares about Hollywood's underbelly? I LOVE movies, & I don't even care. The actors are all 'fine'. It's nice to see DeNiro in an anti-tough guy role. Bruce Willis has some fun as the indignant actor who won't shed some pounds or shave. Stanley Tucci & John Turturro do the best they can with minor parts. You know, the movie is not 'awful', per say. It's just not insightful enough or humorous enough to appeal to audience members who are not Hollywood insiders.