Directed by Curtis Hanson
Written by Steven Kloves(screenplay), Michael Chabon(novel)
Cinematography by Dante Spinotti

Michael Douglas as Grady Tripp Tobey Maguire as James Leer Frances McDormand as Sara Gaskell Robert Downey Jr. as Terry Crabtree Katie Holmes as Hannah Green Rip Torn as Q Richard Knox as Vernon Hardapple Jane Adams as Oola Michael Cavadias as Miss Sloviak Richard Thomas as Walter Gaskell Alan Tudyk as Traxler Philip Bosco as Emily's Father

Running Time: 112 min.
Release Date: Feb. '00

Overall Call:
Curtis Hanson's follow up to L.A. Confidential is just as successful on a smaller scale. Wonder Boys is a nice nontraditional tale about a handful of eccentric characters doing the best they can in life. The humor is dark, unforced and usually not over the top in your face. Michael Douglas is refreshing playing opposite his usual macho ego tripped out roles as a disheveled writer/professor adorned in a musty pink writing robe. Tobey Maguire continues on his quest to further impress in every role he takes on. Robert Downey Jr. is exactly as you'd think, excellent. The story moves along swiftly in a unique way, making casual unexpected twist and turns keeping things fresh. The film was rereleased to help its Oscar chances. So either in theatre or on rental catch Wonder Boys it is worth your time.

Reasons For Recommendation:
+ Very strong cast
+ Well paced storyline
+ Great dark humor